^iyjiMiMMitjJiiiyjiMiijjjiii^^^^^^^^ 



AVERAGE Man 



B3? OLIVER P. PARKER 



Author ^ 
CLAIM ALLOWED 



Properti) of 




SPECIAL NOTICE 

ThU is a ROYALTY PLAY, protected according to law hi> 

U.S. Cop:pright With all Rights Reserved to NA TIONAL 

DRAMA COMPANY, Memphis. Tennessee, from 

whom a Coptpright Privilege License must be 

secured for each and everip presentation. 



\iirr^i\ri^\rr^\^.m,\rrri\^^\^,\^^ 




Oixon-Paul Ptg. Co., Memphis 



Average Man 



By OLIVER P. PARKER 



AUTHOR OF 



STANDING BY 

CLAIM ALLOWED 

CLAIM ALLOWED— Continued 

THE WINNING OF LATANE 

THE CALL OF THE FLAG 

BETTER THAN GOLD 

THE VALEDICTORY 

LONE STAR 

ETC. 



Copgrishtea, 1921 bip 
Oliver Perry Parker 



All Rights Reserved to 

THE NATIONAL DRAMA CO 

MEMPHIS, TENN. 



P5 353i 

FOREWORD '1 ^ ' 

To those who have written "Give us another 
Parker play with a moral in it", and to all who 
hold that a play should TEACH as well as EN- 
TERTAIN, we offer the AVERAGE MAN; 
and sincerely hope it may not utterly fail to 
meet that splendid demand. 

We are sending you this complete copy so that 
you may, without expense or obligation, see ex- 
actly what we offer you. If you consider it 
good enough to be given a chance let us have 
your order with the understanding that we will 
refund the money paid us if the presentation 
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Our price for Copyright Privilege License for 
one presentation of this play is $5.00, and we 
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set of parts for each character, a Coach copy 
and an exclusive reservation on your point. 
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NATIONAL DRAMA COMPANY, 

Memphis, Tennessee. 

(See Order Blank in Back of Book). 

©CI.D 57180 

MAR -5 1921 



THE AVERAGE MAN 

Copyrighted 1921. All Eights Reserved. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

WILLIAM NORWOOD— A Chicago Broker. 
HELEN NORWOOD— His wife. 
MARJORY NORWOOD— His daughter. 
FLORENCE NORWOOD— His daughter. 
JIM.MIE NORWOOD— His only son. 
MISS RAND — Jimmy's secretary. 
DR. BRUCE— The family physician. 
JAMES SLAYTON— Jimmy's grandfather. 
BOB MONDELL— Mr. Slayton's manager. 
MOLLY MONDELL— Bob's wife. 
MARY MONDELL— Their daughter. 
MRS. GUNN — A neighborhood gossip. 
UNCLE DAN— Himself a Slayton. 

An ALL STAR cast of seven females and six males. 
Time to play; two hours, fifteen minutes. 

ACT I 

SCENE — A well furnished living room in the home of James Slayton 
down on the farm. Use only library table, center, with chairs and divan 
suitably placed. Pictures on walls. Doors right and left. Window, back. 

MRS. MONDELL — (L. with sheets of paper in hand. Takes yellow pencil 
from ledger which she finds in table drawer and sticks it in her hair with 
some difficulty. Opens book as if to make a record and discovers pencil 
is lost. Looks about table, in book, under book, etc.) O, where IS that 
pencil! (Looks under chair) 0, uncle Dan! 

DAN— (Off R.) Yassam. 

MRS. M. — Do you know where I can find a pencil? 

D. — (R. Limps slightly. He is an old negro, and carries a half peeled 
apple — with the peel dangling — and a pan andj knife.) What did you say, 
Miss Molly? 

MRS. M. — Do you know where I can find a pencil? 

D. — Now, not jes off-hand, I don't. No'm. 

MRS. M. — I keep one in this ledger but it seems to have disappeared. 
(Sits.) 

D. — Wellam, I'll find you one. (Goes L. and stops behind her chair, cran- 
ing neck to look at pencil in her hair.) 

MRS. M. — If you can't find a pencil get a pen. 

D. — Will a hairpin do? 

MRS. M. — no, uncle Dan. I want to write with it. Just get a pencil. 

D. — What's de matter wid dis'n. (Points.) 

MRS. M. — (Remembers) 0, of course. How stupid of me. I must ibe get- 
ting old, uncle Dan. (Writes) 

D. — Yassam. If you ain't purty keerful you'l git a leetle older as you go 
along. (Goes E.) 



MRS. M.— (Smiles) Yes, tliat is true. 

D. — But you got a long way to go, yit. 

MES. M. — I couldn't go far in times like these. 

D. — You is jes pestered wid all dese new farm hands what Massar Slayton 
is gittin to take de place of de regular hands what's gone to war. Dey 
ain't much punkins, is dey? 

MRS. M. — (Writing; Pretty poor substitutes. 

D. — Specially dat'n what come dis mawnin. He's de substitu-tu-tutenest 
one yit. 

MRS. M. — Did a new one come this morning? 

D. — Yassam. Dat'n what's got his hair roached up like a mule. Dat's 
him. And I don't like de way my dog done when he smelled of him. 

MRS. M.— How was that? 

D, — He bristled up jes like dat man's hair. And when a dog does dat, it's 
a bad sign. 

MRS. M. — That is the dog's instinct. 

D. — I reggin he did git a nose full. 

MRS. M, — O, well, we must take what we can get. What is this new 
man's name? I will put him on the payroll. (Turns pages.) 

D. — He fust name is Yawn. Dat's all I know. 

MRS. M. — I will put that down and get the rest of it later. How does 
he spell it? 

D. — I don't know dat, nuther. 

MRS. M. — Then pronounce it again.^ 

D. — Jes YAWN. Dat's all. And de rest of it sounds jes like a Fode 
warmin up on a cold mawnin, 

MRS. M. — (Laugh) Where is this man. 

D. — Out at de cow barn. 

MRS. M. — Go ask him what his name is. And if it is as bad as you say 
you'd better ask him how he spells it. 

D. — (Places pan in chair) Now if I don't come l)ack PURTY quick you'd 
better send for me. (L) 

MRS. GUNN — (R. She is dressed unbecomingly and carries parasol and 
fan. Keeps lips pursed.) Well, I just walked right in. 

MRS. M. — (Rises, and is polite). Why, good morning Mrs. Guun. Wont 
you pit down? 

MRS. G. — (Sits R.) Well, I really haven't time, but I was telling 
Mizries Price only yesterday — or maybe it was the day before that, (Thinks) 
— T wont be positive — but anyway I told her that I thought it was a down- 
right shame for you to stay home so close and not know nothin' about what's 
a-goin' on amongst the neighbors. 

MRS. M. — Everybody is pretty busy, I guess. 

MRS. G. — We-ell, yes. People is busy since the war broke out. There's 
lots to do and help is powerful scarce; but we oughtn't to lose interest in the 
doings of the neighbors. If their misdeeds ain't helt up before 'm, they aint 
no telling' what they might do. 

MRS. M. — Important matters should come first. 

MRS. G. — (Pleased) I liat's just what I said to Mizries Fulghum not 
niore'n two weeks ago. Well, now, I say TWO weeks. It may have been 
longer'n that, but not more'n THREE weeks, at the very outside. You know 
I have so man}' conversalions 1 can't be precise about when they occur. 

MRS. M.— I shouldn't worry about that, Mrs. Gunn. It isn't WHEN we 
say it, but WHAT we say, that counts most, you know, and — 

MRS. G.— O, I know it's only the LATEST news that counts, and when 
it com.es to knov/ing what is going on in the community I come about as 
near to leadin' the choir as the next one. 

MRS. M.— (Smile) Yes, that is true enough. 



MRS. Ci. — (Plcaspd) Thank you. It come kinder natural with me, and 
T reckon ] must h.a\e some talent for gettin' on to secrets, and gatherin' 
news geneially. And I ain't selfish with it, citlier, I spread it as fast .as 1 
get it. ' 

MRS. M. — Aren't you afraid you will sometimes start an evil report that 
will hurt a lot of innocent people? 

MRS. G. — We-ell, yes; but tliat don't happen often. And when it does 
it is just one of them mistakes human hair is flesh to. They aint none of 
us perfect, you know. 

MRS. M. — I kTK)w that, but a lot of our imperfections are traceable to 
an evil tongue. 

MRS. G. — That is what I have always said. And speak in of im])erfec- 
tions, don't these terrible w.ar times bring 'm out. though? 

MRS. M.— It should, yes. All of them. 

MRS. G. — Well it's a-doin it. I declare I have heard things that my 
neighbors has done to git out'r doin their duty that has shocked me. 

MRS. M.--I am &.u)i)rised \o hia) that. 

MRS. G.— 1 knowed youM !■•.> 

MRS. M. — I have been thinking this community is doing its duty in a very 
patriotic way. 

MRS. G. — (Edging to front of chair) Why, Mizries Mondell, you should 
ought to know the INSIDE secrets like I do. (Leaning forward) And at 
them Red Cross meetins — why you'd be surprised. (^Stares at her and is very 
serious about it) 0, I (ould lc!l \.u a lot of secrets we never would 
a-knowed if this war hadn't a come on us just when it did. 

MRtS. M. — Hasn't it brought out good qualities? 

MRS. G. — O, a few maybe; but they don't show up like the bad ones, 
But you know how that is. When a body does something good it aint as 
surprisin as when something bad crops out on'm. 

MRS. M. — That is a sign of a healthy condition. 

MRS. G. — That is ju>.t what 1 was saying to iMizries Watson. As long as 
folks tell all the bad things they know a'bout their neighbors, they's some 
hope for'm. 

MRS. M. — I seem to miss you at the Red Cross. What days do you go? 

MRS. G. — We-ell you might say I have no regular days. You see I spend 
most of my time on the outside encouragin others to do their duty. That's 
work that just anybody caint do, you know. 

MRS. M. — I should think it would be easy. 

MRS. G. — Well, it aint. And the people don't realize what a hard job 
I have, of it. And — 

D. — (R.) I got dat name for you, Miss Molly. 

MRS. G.— (Quickly) What name? I'd like "to know. 

D. — I'll spell it and you can pernounce it. 

MRS. M. — (Turns to book) I am ready. 

D. — Now keep up wid me. (Spells) P-X-R-Q- (Thinks and repeats qqqq) 
0, yes. P-X-R-Q-B-V-D-C-H-T-Q-Z. 

MRS. G. — Land sakes alive. You aint hirin one of them, ah, ah, COWshe- 
vikis, air you? 

D. — Well, now, Miss Gunn, if dis'n is a Sheviki ertall he's a, ah. ah. 

MRS. M.— Is that all of his name? 

D. — Dat's jes onlv de fust load. You hold what vou got, and I'll git de 
rest of it. (R.) 

MRS. G. — Aint you a-feared peoi)le will talk about you hirin a man with 
a name like that ? 

MRS. M. — Why no. Why should they. Mr. Slayton must have help of 
some kind. 

MRS. G. — Well, I reckon it is a leetle haul to keep a big farm like this'n 

5 



a-goin. And tlicy tell me \^ou air goin to have Mary come home from that 
fine school to help out. You aint, air you? 

MEiS. M. — ^She earae yesterday. 

MRiS. G. — ^She did! I don't understand how it happened that I didn't 
know that. 

MRS. M. — We didn't intend it as a secret. 

MRS. G. — Well, that explains why I didn't know it. I thought you was 
kinder doin it on the sly. And the neighbors thinks when Mary gits back 
from that Vassey school she'l ibe so stuck up she wont even want to live on 
the farm. Let alone work on it. 

MRS. M. — ^Mary loves the farm, and she loves to help run it. And I 
hope not many of my good neighbors feel that a little culture will spoil her. 

MRS. G. — And some people say Mr. Slayton is payin for her sehoolin and 
that he is goin to leave her a part of this big farm. And I think it would 
be nice if he did. Don't you? 

MRS. M. — Now, Mrs. Gunn, everybody knows that Mr. iSalyton is paying 
for Mary's education. He has always been good to her, and she loves him 
next to me and her father; but please don't spoil it all by thinking she will 
inherit his property. 

MRS. G. — Well, aint your husband manager of his big farm; and aint you 
both lived here in the house and took care of him? 

MRS. M. — Yes, ever since his only daughter married that rich Mr. Nor- 
wood and went to Chicago, I have done the best I could to make it as home- 
like as possible for him; but he has paid us well for what we have done and 
will owe us nothing when he dies, 

MRS. G. — Well, just the same, I figure Mary'l git the property. Mr. 
Slayton aint a-goin to forget what youall have done for him while his 
daughter and her children aint even Ibeen out here to see him in nigh on to 
ten years. And if 1 was him I'd quit goin to see them too. Wouldn't you? 

MRS. M. — Why no, Mrs. Gunn. I would do just as he does — love my own 
people, and leave them my property — ^just as he will do. 

MRS. G. — Huh, You oaint fool me. Mary '1 git some of it. And if I was 
you I'd keep her in that fine school and make a lady out er her. 

MRS. M. — Fussing about the farm with Mr. Slayton and her father as 
she has always done will not hurt her, or embarrass any of us. iShe likes to 
work outdoors. And Mr. Slayton says she is the best automobile mechanic 
in the county. And when the war is over she will finish her school, and, I 
hope, be a very useful woman. 

MRS. G. — Do you know, I have often told my boy I hoped he'd marry a 
girl just like Mary. 

MRS. M. — It is nice of yon to say that. 

MRS. G. — They's a-goin to be a lot er weddins when the war is over. And 
as I was tellin Mizries Bogul I think the boys what went and done they duty 
ought to have first choice. 

MRS. M. — Men who can win a war can win a girl. 

MRS. G. — That's just what I told my boy. But he says Mary alius took 
up for that grandson of Mr. Slayton's. What was that Iboy's name? 

MRS. M. — Jimmy Norwood. His only grandson. 

MRS. G. — ^Has he gone to war, do you know? 

MRS. M. — I don't know. Mr. Slayton doesn't hear from any of them 
very often. 

MRS, G. — Well, when he does he'l find that he didn't go to no war. His 
rich dady'l manage to keep him at home. AND it wouldn't surprise me to 
hear any day now that your husband was fired and this boy put in his place 
for that very purpose. 

MRS. M. — You have a vivid imagination. 

MRS. G. — It's my talent for seeing things a-fore anybody else does. 



MBS. M. — Yes. (yawns behind her hand.) 

MRS. G. — You aint Ibeen losin sleep, have you? 

MRS. M. — Moving the clock up cost me an hour. 

D. — (R) Jes add S-K-Y to what you got. 

MRS. M. — (Writes) That doesn't make sense. 

D. — It ain't supposed to. (Waits) Spell it. 

MRS. M.— P-X-R-Q-B-V-D-C-H-T-Q-Z-S-K-Y. 

D. — Dat's exactly right. Don't lose it. 

MRS. M. — How about that first name, Yawn? 

D.— O, dat's jes plain old JOHN. 

MRS. M. — Well he is on the payroll anyway. 

D. — And now you kin scratch him off. 

MRS. M. — What do you mean? 

D. — Miss Mary done fired him. 

MRS. M.— Fired him! What for? 

D. — Well, she found him asleep. And lenime tell you somepin — his hair 
was layin down flat. But when she woke him up it stood straight up again. 

MRS. M.— She didn't fire him for that, did she? 

D. — No'm. If he'd jes only bristled up it'd been all right. But he called 
her "sweetie.'^ 

MRS. G.— Where is Mary? 

D. — ^She fixin de .amputator on a truck. 

MRS. G. — Amputator! What is that, I wonder. 

D. — Dat's er, er — Miss Molly you tell her. 

MRS. M. — I imagine it's the cut-out. 

D. — Is dat satisfactory? 

MRS. G. — O, yes I understand it now. 

MRS. M. — (Places book in drawer) Well, Mrs. Gunn, I must go to the 
kitchen now. Would you like to see how conveniently it is arranged? 

MRS. G. — (Rise) Well, yes. I'd like to see the runnin water and epilep- 
tic lights. 

MRS. M. — You may finish peeling the apples, Uncle Dan. (Ex. with Mrs. 
G.— L.) 

D. — (Takes up apple with dangling peel, and pan, and goes R. Meeting 
Mary. She should wear slightly soiled unionalls, gauntlet gloves, and a sun- 
shade, which she draws backward from her head as she enters. In her right 
hand is a bright pair of pliers. On her face are several streaks of grime, 
as becomes an auto mechanic. Her neck and throat are rosy clean in con- 
trast. (Note: If it is considered, ah, unbecoming to wear the unionalls 
she may wear a tan shirt waist open at the collar. The unionalls are bet- 
ter) Did you git it fixed. Miss Mary? Or did you run out of hairpins? 

MARY — (Laughing) If you tell anybody I put those hairpins in that 
commutator I'll (Pokes pliers at him, opening and closing them.) 

D. — (Backs off extending the apple towards her) Lo-o-ok out, Miss Mary. 
I don't need fixin. 

M. — 0, let me try my fortune again. 

D. — Well, you put up dat Betsy Bug, fust. 

M. — (Sticks pliers in side pocket, or lays them on table) Now we shall 
see what the future has in store for me. (Takes the peel and carefully throws 
it over shoulder to R.) 

D. — (Stoops over the peel.) Another "J." 

M.— It is always "J," isn't it? 

D. — I ain't never seed you throw nuffin but a "J" yit. Dat must sholy 
be yo pint. 

M. — It is the way you cut the peel. 

D. — It's de way you thows 'm. You jest nachully puts de right curve on 
'm. Now try it again. 



M. — All right. (Tlirows as before.) 

• D.— Same old story. Now dat looks spoof erticous. Who you reggin dat 
J is fur, nohow? 

M. — 0, just anybody, uncle Dan. (Goes L.) 
MES. G.— (Off"L.) " Well it shore is nice. 
M.— Isn't that MIZRIES Gunn? 
D. — Yassam. And she is loaded for bear. 

M. — ^^Don't tell her that you saw me. (Tiptoes to R. Mrs. G.-L. just aa 
she reaches center, and watches her under her glasses until she is at door R.) 
Well, I declare. Ain't that you, Mary? 

M. — ^(Caught, turns smilling) Why, yes, Mrs. Gunn. And I was trying to 
get away because, ah, well, you see I am not presentable. (Ex. D. — R.) 
MRS. G. — That's all right. Come and kiss me. 

M. — If you can stand it I can. (Takes her cheeks in her gloved hands and 
gives her a lingering kiss. 

MRS. G. — (Without other changes in their positions draws her head back) 
That is one of them TIME EXPOSURE kisses, ain't it? 
G. — How do you like 'm? 

MRS. G. — Too soft — entirely. (iMary releases her cheeks, leaving the 
prints of her gloves). I declare to goodness, you never will get that face 
clean. Ain't you afraid it'l ruin your complexion? My face never was 
that dirty. 

M. — Maybe you never played in the dirt. 
MRS. G. — Sit down and tell me some news. 

M. — I can't possibly do that now, but if you will come back some other 
day I will. 

MRS. G. — Is that an invite to stay for dinner? 
M. — 0, do stay, wont you? 

MRS. G. — No, not today. I just had a letter from my boy Henry. Want 
to know what he said? 
M, — I hope Henry is well. 

MRS. G. — Just as well as can be. You know Henry alius was a healthy 
child. - 

M. — Yes. I can say that much for him. 

MRS. G. — And I was just tellin yore ma — well, it was just a little secret 
of our, but I'll tell you any way. I says to her that I think the boys what 
went and done they duty should ought to have pick and choice when the war 
is over, 

M. — O, they will, I am sure. 

MRS. G. — You wouldn't as much as look at a man what you knowed was 
a slacker. Now would you? 

M. — Not very pleasantly, I am afraid. 

MRS. G. — I knowed you felt that way about it. And Henry has been in 
the service ever since the first draft caught him. 

M. — Yes, Henry didn't lose any time. How does he like his work in THE 
SHIP YARDS? 

MRS. G. — Well, he aint satisfied. He says he'd much rather be in the 
trenches. 

M. — (Firmly) Then why doesn't he go? 

MRS. G. — We-ell, you are busy today and I wont keep you from your 
work. Come over to see me sometime. Goodby. (R) 
M. — ^Goodby. (Goes to table) Gee, that was easy. 
D. — ^(R) You didn't slap her, did you? 

M. — Honest to goodness, uncle Dan, that is one-piece of mischief I didn't 
intend. (Takes an apple) These apples are ^tretty. Such a nice rich red. 
(Bites one.) 

D, — Dem yaller ones is good too. 

a 



M.— Yes, but they are YELLOW. 

D. — (Takes apple) Dis yaller is only skin deep. De apple is all right at 
heart. You used to like yaller apples. Don't you remember dat day a long 
time ago when Massar Jimmy elum up to git dat big yaller boss apple for 
you, and fell and broke his arm? 

M. — That was a long time ago. 

D. — Dat don't make no diffunce. You liked him and you sho could make 
him climb for you. 

M. — (Seriously) But that was when we were little fellows. He never 
comes back any more. He has forgotten those happy days. But I never 
will. 

D. — Do you know I look for him back out here sometime. Dat is if he 
don't get kilt in de war. He's about old enough to go, ain't he? 

M. — ^He is nineteen, but he won't stand back on that. Jimmy is a RED 
apple, uncle Dan. 

D. — Mayb« he is since he got ripe, but he sho was a GREEN 'n de las time 
I saw him. 

MR. SLAYTON — (R. Dressed as a well to do farmer. Face red, hair gray. 
Carries several letters and a small package and some papers.) Well, hello, 
muddy face. Is the water cut off? (Sits at table.) 

M. — Is my face really dirty? Mrs. Gunn said it was, ibut I thought she 
was exagerating. 

MR. 8. — Not if she said it was dirty. 

M. — I will wash it up a bit. (Goes L.) 

MR. S. — No, leave it on there Mary. I like it that way. Dan get me a 
glass of buttermilk. 

DAN — Yassar, Massar Slay ton. (Ex. L.) 

M. — Make it two, uncle Dan. 

MR. iS. — Well your face shows that you have been tuning up some of the 
engines. Find them in pretty bad shape, I reckon. 

M. — All they need is just a little kindness. A hairpin here, a drop of oil 
there; some baleing wire for the Fords, and they will stay on the job. 

MiR. S. — You can do more with them than anyone else that has ever been 
on the place. But don't get hurt at it, Mary. (Rubs his glasses.) 

M. — I wont. They appreciate kindness. Treat them right and they will 
work their heads off and never complain. 

MR. S. — (Holds glasses up to see if they are clean) Does that apply to 
all motors? 

M. — ((Strokes his hair) To all but one. It kicks, no matter how well you 
treat it. 

MR. S. — (Chuckles as he hooks glasses to ear) Yes, that is right. (Look 
at M) But I don't see how we could farm without OLD HENRY. (Looks 
through letters) It's true he'll back-fire when he oughtn't, and he's got 
some other bad habits; but he's always at the picnic. 

D. — (L. with two glasses on waiter) "The June-bug has the golden wing, 
the lightening bug the flame; Old Henry has no wings at all, but he gits 
there jest the same." How's dat? 

M. — (Takes tho glasses and gives one to Mr. S. Raises her glass) Here's 
bleating at you, Gimper. 

MR. S. — Go to it, you little pig. (They drink, smack lips, clear throats 
and say ''Fine". This should be done in unison. Dan takes the glasses.) 

D.— (Going L.) I'll git me some of dat. (L) 

MR. S. — Now let's see what is in the mail. Here are three nice fat ones 
for you. 

M. — I hoped we would hear from Buddy today. 

MRS. S. — Here it is- — for your mother. 

M.— I will take it to her. (L). 



MR. MONDELL — (R. Dress as Mr. S.) Did that part come in the mail 
Mr. Slayton? 

MR. iS. — (Gives small package) Is this it, Bob? 

MR. M. — Yes. This is it. ^(Mr. S. opens and reads a letter. Mr. M 
opens package and goes 'R.) 

MR. S. — O, Bob, just a minute, please. Read that. (Gives letter whicl 
he reads and returns). 

MR. M. — That will be all right, with me. 

MR. S.— What do you think of it? 

MR. M. — Well, I am surprised that the young man wishes to come to th 
farm right at this time. 

MR. S. — It's just a plain case of scheming to get the boy out of doing hi 
duty. And I am surprised that Jimmy's sense of honor is no better thai 
that. Of course I want him to come, but not like this. Bob. I'd be ashame( 
of him. 

MR, M, — Perhaps there is some other reason why his father wants him t( 
come to the farm. 

MR. S. — I would like to believe it, 'but this letter is too plain. Read it 
I want to hear it. 

MR. M.— "Dear father Slayton."— 

MR. S.^ — That is the first time he ever called me that. Go on. 

MR. M. — "No doubt your farm help has been hard hit by the requirement 
of the army, and you will be glad to know that Jimmy w.ants to come dowi 
and help you out. If you can take him on as MANAGER it will please an( 
flatter him beyond words; and I assure you he will in a short time provi 
himself indispensable to you. You may expect him Thursday. Sincereb 
yours, William Norwood." 

MR. S. — That word "indispensable" leaves no doubt about why he is com 
ing. 

MR. M. — I will gladly resign as manager if you wish to give him th( 
place. 

MR. S. — No you wont, Bob. I love this boy better than anything in thi 
world; but this is one thing I will not do for him. His duty is to go lik( 
your boy did, and he must do it. 

MR. M. — I can't think of your grandson as being a coward, Mr. Slayton 
Perhaps he is only waiting to be called. 

MR. S. — I know he is only nineteen, but why does he wish to leave Yal( 
and become a farm manager? It is as plain as it is humiliating, Bob. An( 
when he comes you will put him to work just as any other farm hand. I; 
he is made of the right sort of stuff he will come through and do the righ 
thing. Or, if not, he can't stay here. (Rises) I will write his father jus 
that. (Goes L. meeting Mrs. M.) 

MRS. M. — Roland sent his picture in uniform. 

MR. S. — (Takes it) Ho, ho, ho. Isn't that fine! Looks just like Aja: 
defying the lightening. (Gives it to Mr. M, who comes up) You can b( 
proud of a boy like that, Bob. 

MR. M.— That is Roland, all right. 

MR. S. — ^Show that to Jimmy when he comes. (L) 

MRS. M. — Is he expecting Jimmy Norwood? 

MR. M. — Yes. He will be here Thursday. And it is going to make i 
delicate situation. 

MRS. M.— Why do you say that? 

MR. M. — Mr. Slayton thinks it is a plan to keep the boy out of the army 

MRS. M. — O, surely not that. 

MR. M. — I am afraid it is, Molly. 

MRS. M. — Is Mr. Slayton willing for him to come under such circumstan 
ces? 

10 



Mr. M. — He liad no choice in the matter. Mr. Norwood simply wrote 
that he was coming, and asked that he be given the position of manager. 

MRS. M.— What are you going to do? 

MR. M. — Why I offered to resign, but Mr. Slayton says I am to remain 
on the job. It is going to make my position very hard, but I will do the 
best I can with it. You'd better tell Mary all about it, and caution her to 
be careful; or she will make bad matters worse. 

MARY — (L. Her face clean) Daddy, Mr. Logan wants to know whether 
that part came. 

MR. /M.— Yes, I have it. 

M. — Want me to put it on? 

MR. M.— No, I will fix it. (R). 

MRS, M. — Jimmy Norwood will be here Thursday. 

M. — (Pleased) O, isn't that just grand. 

MRS. M. — I am afraid you wont think so when you know why he is com- 
ing. 

M. — Has Jimmy's health failed? 

MRS. M. — No. He seems to be quite well. In fact he is coming with the 
expectation of being manager of the farm; and — well — with the idea of get- 
ting into an ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY, if you know what I mean. 

M. — It is hard for me to believe he would do a thing like that; but if he 
thinks he can use us a convenience just let him try it. 

MRS. M. — Now, Mary, you musn't forget this farm belongs to his grand- 
father. 

M. — Gimper wont stand for it, either. 

MRS. M. — That is his business. You must treat Jimmy with respect. 

M. — He will get all the respect he deserves — and no more. Why, I sup- 
pose he will ship down a car-load of horses and dogs, and a high powered 
roadster, to amuse himself with, while I drive a tractor in the place of my 
brother who is following the flag. O, sure I will respect him! 

MRS. M.— Sh-h. Don't let Mr. Slayton hear you. 

MR. S. — Mary, will you drive me in to town? I want to mail an impor- 
tant letter. 

M. — ^Be glad to, Gimper. Just wait a wee-tiny minute and I'll be ready. 
(L) 

MRS. M. — I have a letter to go, too, (L) 

MR. S. — (Takes letter from envelope andj starts to sit in chair center). 

JIMMY — (R. and Briskly) 'Lo, there, Gimper, I couldn't wait until 
Thursday: so here I am, 

MR. S. — (('Straightens up) So I see. 

J. — Why, aren't you glad to see me, Gimper? 

MR. S. — (Offers hand) Yes, Jimmy boy, I'd be glad to see you, even if 
you were in stripes. 

J. — Ah, I knew you would be glad to have me come down and manage 
this big farm for you. 

MR, S, — Do you think you could do that? 

J, — Well, under the PRESENT circumstances I am perfectly willing to 
try it, (Smiles) 

MR. S. — (Waits and looks at him) My boy, ordinarily there is nothing 
that would make me happier than to have you come to see me; but under 
the PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES I can't honestly say I am pleased. (Jim- 
my fumbles his hat) 

J. — Why, didn't you get father^s letter? 

MR. S. — I have the answer to that letter here in my hand. And in order 
that you may be under no illusions I want you to read it and think it over 

11 



carefully. (Gives it) Then come to my room, and we will talk the matter 
over, (L). 

J. — Huh, That don't sound so very promising, (Sits and reads) "Dear 
William: I am in desperate need of help on the farm" — (Edges to front of 
chair) That isn't so bad, "But the shortage is confined to COMMON 
laborers only" — ^( Takes former position) That's rotten. **The position of 
manager is well filled, and if it wasn't I could get a thousand men between 
the ages of 18 and 35 in a split second" — (Sticks two fingers in collar and 
pulls it down) By, Jove I am beginning to think this farming business isn't 
what it is cracked up to be. "If Jimmy is willing to do a farmer's work 
until he is needed in the army, why, let him come by all means" (Looks L. 
and E.) I wonder if I could get out of here without being seen. "But I 
want you to understand that 1 will under* no circumstances claim that he 
is indispensable to me. Very truly yours, James L. Slay ton." Gee! What 
is the matter with him, anyhow! Does he want me to get shot! (Rises) 
O, I can out-talk Gimper. (Looks L.) But I hate like the Dickens to try it, 

D, — (L. smilling) Massar Slayton say little Massar Jimmy done come, 
(Holds smile) 

J.— (Face straight) I am HE. 

D.— (Straightens face quickly) 0, 'SCUSE me. I though you was HIM. 

J. — I am your man, all right, uncle Dan, . 

D, — (Broad smile) WELL, sir, I sho is glad to see you, (Looks him 
over appraisingly) And you sho has growed up into a fine lookin man. 
WELL, sir. I wouldn't er knowed you. 

J. — You haven't changed any. 

D. — Nosser. I reggin my next change '1 be on de resurectin mawnin. 

J. — ^(iSits) Is everylbody well? 

D. — Yassar. And you gwine to be sprised when you see what a fine lady 
Miss Mary is now. 

J. — Is that so? I don't suppose I would know her. Fine girl, is she? 

D. — Member dat time vou fell out of de apple tree and (broke yo arm for 
her? 

J. — (Looks at right wrist and twists it) Yes, I broke my good right arm 
for Mary. 

D, — Well, when you see her now you gwine be willin to break yo' NECK 
for'r. 

J, — O, maybe not, I am more sensible now, 

D. — Yassar, I reggin you is a leetle mo sensitive den you was when you 
tried to keep dat calf out er de rain. Member dat? (Smile) 

J. — I don't seem to remember that. 

D. — Now, Massar Jimmy, shorely you aint done forgot dat you stole Miss 
Mary's brand new PINK PAiSSALL, and tried to hold it over dat calf what 
I done tied to a apple-tree, out dar in de ochard. 

J. — Don't you ever forget anything? (Smile) 

D. — I ain't never gwine to forget what happened when you walked up by 
de side of date little Holstein heifer and raised dat pink passall. (Grins) 

J. — She showed no appreciation, did she? 

D. — ^Nosser. But she showed plenty of SPEED. 

J. — I'll say she did. 

D. — Yassar. You and dat calf sho did make some rings round dat apple 
tree for a few seconds. Meniber how it wound up? 

J.— Why, it WOUND UP at the apple tree. 

D. — And you and dat calf was tryin to see who could ball de loudest, 

J, — And then Mary came for her parasol. 

D. — Yassar. And when she come up dat calf (backed off a few rounds; 
and when I come up she went de other way and wound Miss Mary up wid 

12 



you. And dar you was, de calf, and you, and Miss Mary and her new pink 
passall, all wound round dat apple-tree. 

J. — Aren't you forgetting something, 

D. — (Seriously) Well, now, I believe dat calf did kinder trip me up 
whilst I was rescuin you chiPn. 

J. — And then you stopped laughing. 

D. — Ercose, I did. But Massar Slayton laughed ontil he took de phthisic. 
And do you know dat calf made de finest cow we has ever had. 

J. — Is that so. 
D, — And we got some of her stock yit. 

J, — You can tell me about that later, 

D. — All right, sir. Is you got any baggage? 

J. — It's out there on the porch. 

D. — I'll take it to yo' room. (Goes right and turns) But how come you 
aint gone to war wid de rest of de boys, Massar Jimmy? 

J. — O, ah, I'll explain that later, 

D. — All right sir. Any time'l do. (R). 

J. — (Rises) I've got to explain that to Gimper. too; and I might as well 
be about it. (Turns L. Mary enters L. She is well dressed and looks at 
him, waiting to be recognized, Jimmy stares at first, then smiles). 0, I 
know who you are. You are Mary, and uncle Dan was right. (Extends 
hand) Don't you know me? I am Jimmy. (Holds hand extended) 

M. — We didn't expect you until Thursday. 

J. — (Looks at Mary and then at his empty hand) You are not going to 
wait until Thursday to shake hands with me, are you"? 

M. — (Takes his hand) How do you do? 

J.— I feel a LITTLE bit better. ' (Smiles) And if you had said "Why, 
hello, Jimmy", I think I would feel a little bit welcome, 

M. — (Releases his hand) There is a rule on this farm that not even I can 
break. 

J. — And what is that, pray tell me. 

M. — To be always respectful to the MANAGER. 

J. — 0, I understand. 

M. — And I hope you will be good enough to give your predecessor, who 
happens to be my father, a jo'b of some sort on the farm. 

J. — O, we won't fall out about that. Your father is to continue his work 
and draw the salary. You see I am to be manager in name only until this 
blooming war is over. Then he may have the name as well as the job. 

M. — (Looks at him seriously for a moment, then smiles) Jimmy, I have 
waited a long, long time for you to come back to our play-ground. And 
somehow I have always believed you would come. But I never thought it 
would be as a thief in the night to steal the happy recollections that I have 
kept so close to my heart since you went away. (Waits and touches each 
cheek with her handkerchief. Jimmy hangs his head and fumbles his hat) 
And I don't care if you know how it hurts me to find that the Prince Charm- 
ing of my childhood is nothing — but — a conceited — coward. CURTAIN, 

ACT II 

SCENE— Jimmy Norwood's private office on eighteenth floor in building 
in Chicago, two years later. Set desk left and back. Typewriter desk right 
front. Chairs at each and about stage. Walls may be decorated. Doors 
R. and L. and window iback. Miss Rand is writing on typewriter, Dan en- 
ters L. and stands with hat crumpled in hands waiting. 

DAN — ^Good mawnin'. Missus, (Bows), 

MISS RAND— (Surprised) Oh! (Moves R.) 

13 



D, — Don't Ibe skeered of me, Missus; I is jes only doin' mah dad-gondest to 
find a man. 

MISS E. — Well, there are no men here. 

D. — Dat's too bad. I thought at las' I had riv at de right destitution. 
MISS E. — I think you have made .a mistake. 

D. — Well, it aint de fust mistake I has made since I riv in de city en 
stahted lookin for 'm. And if I knowed de way out 'r dis town I suttinly 
would go back whar I come fum. 

MISS E.— Are you a stranger in Chicago? 

D. — I suttinly is; and a LOST one at dat. (Waits) He said in dis letter 
(Takes it from hat) dat he'd meet me at de depper. 

MISS E. — (Aside) O, I feel sorry for the old man. (To him) Perhaps 
I can help you. Let me see the letter. (Advances and takes it). 

D. — I sho will thank you if you kin. 

MISS E. — (Looking at letter) Why, this is Mr. Jimmy Norwood's hand- 
writing). "Dear Uncle Dan; If I understand your letter you wish to come 
to Chicago and have a little talk with me. All right, come on. The trip 
is on me, and I am enclosing some money herewith. Leave there on Tues- 
day and I will meet you at the station here Wednesday morning. If I fail 
to meet you and you get lost, show this letter to .a policeman, and he will 
straighten you out, Don't fail to follow these instructions." And he signs 
his full name and address. I suppose you are the "Uncle Dan" referred to? 

D. — Yes, ma'm, I is — if you please. (Bows). 

MISS E. — (Smile) Why didn't yon tell me that when you first came in? 

D. — I didn't think dat 'd be no rickmendation to a fine lookin' 'Oman lack 
you is. 

MISS E. — Thank you. And sit down. "You has riv at de right destitu- 
tion'\ (Laugh) 

D. — (Sits cautiously and mops brow with red bandana and sighs) PHEW! 
AT LAS'! 

MISS E. — Here is your letter. 

D. — You kin have it. (Fans with h.at) I aint gwine to tote dat stick 
of dennymite narry nuther minit. It's dang'us. 

MISS E. — But you may get lost again and wouldn't have anything to 
show the policemen. 

D. — Dat's all right. I'll jes show 'm mah HEELS, lack I done las' night. 

MISS E. — Why Mr. Norwood told you to keep this letter, and, if you 
got lost, to show it to a policeman who would STEAIGHTEN you out. 

D. — Yassam, I understand. (Fans with bandana) I saw several POlice- 
mans las' night what looked lack dey wanted to do dat vey thing for me. 

MISS E.— Why didn't you let them do it? 

D. — 'Cause, Missus, when de good Lawd gits ready for dis ole nigger to 
STEAIGHTEN OUT, I don' want no POlicemans hangin' roun'. I want's to 
be in de presence of mah pastor and mah f rien's. 

MnSS E. — (Laughs) Mr. Norwood will be sorry you have been so greatly 
inconvenienced. 

D. — I'll git even wid him. (Smile) 

MISS E. — You seem to know him quite well. 

D. — Yassam, I knows Massar Jimmy purty well; and I reggin dar aint 
nuffin I wouldn't do for him. But do he live UP HEAE all de time? 

MISS E. — Not all the time. This is his new private office. How do you 
like it? 

D. — (Seriously) I don't like it a bit. 

MISS E.— Why don't you like it? 

D. — Well, in de fust place it's dang'us. It's too hard to find; and it's 
entirely too high of'n de groun'. 

14 



MISS E.— It's only the EIGHTEENTH floor. 

D. — (Holds tight to chair. Looks about floor and strikes it with his heel 
io see if it is solid). You reggin it'l hold us? 

MISS R. — (Laugh) I think so. And it is delightful away up here above 
the city. (Goes to window) There is a beautiful view from this window. 

D. — (Looks front) I'll take yo' word for 't. 

MISS R. — (Raises window — or curtain. Dan flinches and grunts) It is 
really a beautiful view, uncle Dan. The great city spreads out far below 
n grand panoramas. 

D. — (Same, and waive hand) Jes let 'm SPREAD. (Wait) I aint gwine 
to have nuffin to do wid dem PAJAMAS. 

MISS R. — You may never have another opportunity to see such a sight. 

D. — (Scared) You aint spectin dis buildin to fall any time soon, is you? 

MISS R. — O, this building is all right. It is made of concrete and steel. 

D. — Uh-uh. Dat's w^hy it's gwine to make such a consplavication when it 
falls. 

MISS R. — Won't you look out the window? 

D. — I spec I better not. 

MISS R. — If you would look out and see other buildings as high you 
wouldn't be afraid. There is Montgomery Ward's tower right over there. 
'Points out W.) You know that companv, don't you? And Sears, Roebuck 
fc Co. 

D. — Yassam. I has acquaintance wid Sis Rubbock's company. Can you 
jee HER tower, too? 

MISS R. — You can get a bird's-eye view of their plant from here. Want 
;o see it? 

D. — I spec I better let de birds have it. (Waits) But I would lack to 
lee Sis Rubbock's place. 

MISS R. — Of course you would. Come on. 

D. — (Tiptoes to center of stage) 

MISS R. — What are you tip-toeing for? 

D.— You don't spec me to b'ar all mah weight on dis EIGHTEENTH floor, 
lo you? 

MISS R. — It's solid. (Jumps up and down). 

D.— (Knees tremble) DON'T do dat. PLEASE. 

MISS R. — All right, I won't. Come on over. 

D. — (Shades eyes) I kin see fum hear. 

MISS R. — Now isn't it a grand view? 

D. — It sho is a grand view. WELL SIR. 

MISS R. — (Pointing sharply to her L.) The prettiest view is out this 
vay. But you will have to come closer to see it. 

D. — I'll jes take roundance on dat window. (Still looking moves in semi- 
drcle, cautiously, to L. Stumbles over desk and grunts) Oo-hl I thought 
'. was gone. (Takes position left of Desk and shades eyes) Now I got it. 
'Looks) Ain't dat fine? (Waits) What is dat blue thing? (Talks loud) 

MISS R.— Lake Michigan. Pretty, isn't it? 

D. — Is I really lookin' at Lake Misgum? 

MISS R. — You are looking in that direction. Back this way (Points L) 
he great city of Chicago extends as far as you can see. 

D. — Jes hoi' it still a minit ontil I gits round on de udder side (Business 
f "roundance") (Looks) Dat sho is a eye full. 

MISS R. — You will have to come closer to the window if you want the 
ull view. 

D. — I believe I will come up to dat window; but I wants to do it in mah 
wn way. (Takes up straight chair and turns it across window as a guard, 
hen looks through it). Gee, Whillikers! Dat's some town.,!. Abound you. 

15 



(Miss R. turns back to her desk. Dan scotches himself and cranes neck 
looking down into the streets below. Then looks up under shade) ■ j 

MISS R. — What are you looking at now? T' 

D. — I was lookin for some angels, (Waits, and turns to talk to Miss R, 
Lets chair slip down slowly) Ain't we 'bout half way to heben? 

MISS R. — (Laugh) Something like that. 

D. — And dis am Massah Jimmy's private office. 

MISS R. — And I am his Private Secretary. 

D._Well you sho is in a PRIVATE place, all right. (Waits) But ain't 
you skeered to be away up hear on de top of de world wid jes himf 

MISS R. — O, no, Mr, Norwood is a gentleman. 

D. — Dat don't make no difference, 

MISS R.— It doesn't? 

D, — It aint gwine to help you none when dis buildin falls. (Turns to 
look out window and discovers chair has slipped. Quickly puts it back anti 
looks out) Look, er-er-er, Miss Private Secretary, somepin is happenin down 
yonder. 

MISS R.— What is it? (Doesn't look) 

D. — ^Somepin is r'arin' up down dar. 

MISS R.-*— I guess that is the new bridge over the Chicago river. It does 
that way often. 

D. — (Faces her) Now dat's dang'us, Cain't dey hold it down? 

MISS R.— (Smile) It "r'ars" up for the boats to pass. Then it settles 
down. 

D.— (Looks) Yassam. It's SETTLIN now. 

MISS R. — Watch the traffic stream across it. 

D, — (Looks short space. Miss R. writes. Then D, takes chair down from 
window and sits in it R. of window). I ain't gwine to STREAM across no 
fool (bridge lack dat. 

MISS R. — Why, I cross it every day. 

D. — Yes, and some of dese days you and a BOAT is gwine to try to use dat 
bridge at de same time. Den whar'l you be? 

MISS R, — You are not city-broke, are you? 

D, — No'm. And it wouldn't take me( very long to git mah NECK broke 
in dis place. (Miss R. takes letter from machine to desk L) 

JIMMY — (L.) Good morning. Miss Rand. (Sits at desk, leans back and 
removes gloves). 

MISS R. — Good morning, Mr. Norwood. (Smiles). 

J. — I rather expected you to tell me that the police have been calling me. 
(D. Looks up). 

MISS R,— Not since I came DOWN. 

D. — (Aside to Aud.) Came DOWN, I wonder whar she come fum, 

J. — I expected them to phone that they have an old colored friend of 
mine who is probably lost in the city. I went to meet him yesterday morn- 
ing, and again this morning, but somehow I missed him, (Miss R. goes to 
her desk). 

D, — Why didn't you try meetin me las night? 

J. — Why, uncle Dan! (Goes to him quickly and shakes hands) I could 
almost hug you. 

D, — Not rat heah befo dis window. 

J. — ^Move your chair over here by my desk. Where did you find him. 
Miss Rand? 

IMISS R.— Why, he just walked in. 

J. — Well, I certainly am glad to find you. WHEN and at which station 
did you arrive? 

D. — Las' night at de MAIN station. 

16 



J. — I expected you yesterday morning. 

D.— I'd a-been on time if jes hadn't a-missed mah CONVICTION at Cairo. 
Dat throwed me late. 

J. — How did you find your way in the citv? 

D.— I didn't find it. I LOST it. 

J. — These streets are not like the lanes on the farm, are they? 

D.— I kin handle de streets all right, but 0, dese SKY^SCRAPPERS. 
(Shakes his head). 

MISS R. — (Turns facing them) Why they are no trouble — if you use the 
elevator. 

D. — Is dat the thing that slides up and down de chimney? (J. and Miss 
R. laugh). 

MISS R. — Yes. You should have used it. 

D.— (Chuckles, head bowed) I DID. 

MISS R. — Saves a lot of time, doesn't it? 

D. — If you could manage to jump out of de thing at de right time, it 
mought; (Waits) But I could make better time climbin' a greased pole. 

J. — How did you know to take the elevator? 

D. — I didn't KNOW. If I had I wouldn't a-took it. I was jes lack a 
skeered sheep. I come in de buildin wid a passl© of folks what was in a 
hurry, and I saw 'm gittin in a little iron cage. I kinder pulled back, but 
a man in a unifoam — I reggin he's a army officer — said "Step lively, ole 
man, and git in". Dats whar I acted a fool. I got in. Den dat officer shot 
de doah, and PULLED DE TRIGGER. (Imitates). 

MISS R. — And the car went up. 

D. — Jes lack a sky-rocket. (Imitates). And de las' thing I members was 
somebody standin over me countin me out. 

MISS R. — They were calling their floors. You should have done that. 

D. — I didn't have no floors to call. (Waits) And if I had a-had, how was 
I goin to call 'm when I done swallowed mah tongue? 

J. — How did you finally get off? 

D. — Well, sir, when I finally come to (Waits) de doah was open and 
some folks was gittin out; but afore I could git mah knees to workin dat 
officer pulled de trigger ergin. Den it stopped ergin and all de folks got 
out ceptin me and dat General. He looked at me, and I said "Good mawnin, 
Boss". Den he close de doah. an, an, O. Lawd! (Close eyes) 

J. — The bottom fell out. 

D. — It most suttinly durn did. (Waits) And when I woke up we had 
another load and was off ergin. 

MISS R. — And you made the second trip? 

D. — ^The second, Yassam. I made forty fo' round trips wid de General. 
Den he axed me if I had a SEAjSON TICKET. 

MISS R.^What did you say to that? 

D. — ^I tole him I was jes waitin for de whistle to blow and stop dat fool- 
ishness. He seed mah embassment and we talked it over. Den I showed 
him dat letter and he vey kindly showed me in. 

MISS R. — You would like the elevator when you get used to the sensation. 

D. — (Mopping brow) I got enough sentation to do me de res' of mah life. 

'MISS R. — You will have to go down again. 

D.— Not on dat EVAPORATOR. I'll jes jump out of dat window and be 
thu wid it. 

J. — How long will you be in the city? 

D. — ^Jes long^ enough to tell you somepin. Does you want her (Indicates 
Miss R.) to hear it? 

MISS R.— (Goes out R. smilling) 

J. — All right, now, uncle Dan. What is it? 

17 



D. — (Serious) It's about Miss Mary. 

J. — I hope she is well and happy. 

D. — Yassar, she's wellj but she( ain't hardly smiled since you went away 
two years ago. 

J. — (Waits, slowly marking on desk) Yes, I know she must be very sad 
over the death of her father and the fact that her brother didn't come back 
with the boys. I am sorry for her. 

D. — Den, if you is sorry for Miss Mary, why don't you never come back 
and tell her so? 

J. — ^There are several reason' why I can't do that; and you wouldn't un- 
derstand any of them. 

D. — Now, I'd try mighty hard. 

J. — I know you would. And I'll say this much to you, uncle Dan. I 
think your Miss Mary is the finest girl I ever saw. In the three months I 
spent down on the farm she made a man of me. And all she made is hers; 
but I'm afraid she hasn't forgot how small a thing she made it out of — a 
"conceited coward". I've done everything I could to make amends, and I 
promise you, my old black friend, if ever I can feel that I have regained 
my place as the "Prince Charming'' of Mary's heart, I shall surely not lose 
it again. 

D. — ^Now. Massar Jimmy, tell me dis, and den I'll go (back to de farm. 
If you ain't done gained yo' place as Miss Mary's Prince Charmer, why did 
she cry dat night when I got back fum de station and tole her you done 
^one? Why did she cry dat day when de papers said you was wounded? 
A.nd why did Massar Slayton sit out dar on de Po'ch a long time wid his 
arm round her dat day las' Spring when he come back fum up heah and tole 
lier you boun' to die? And why 

J. — (Smile) That's enough, uncle Dan. I am coming back to the farm 
IS soon as possible. And I wish I could stay there as long as I live. 

D. — Dat sho will be nice. When you comin? 

J. — ^I don't know. Tomorrow is my twenty first birthday. Perhaps I 
Jan manage to celebrate it as I want to. 

D. — (Eises) Now when you comes down don't you say nuffin bout me 
3ein heah, 'cause dey thinks I went to see some of mah folks. 

J. — I won't forget. This is OUE secret. 

D. — Dat's right. And now if you'll he'p me git to mah train I'll pull out. 

J. — Mother would like to see you. 

D. — I sho would like to see de Missus, but she mought forgit and say 
jomepin sometime. 

J. — I never thought of that. All right, we will drop down on the elevator 
ind get a taxi. 

D. — (Grunts) I done clean forgot about dat evaporator. Ain't dar no 
stair-case no whar? 

J. — 0, yes, if you prefer it. 

D. — I much prefers it. You go on down de chimney and I'll meet you 
lown at de FIAH-PLACE. (CURTAIN.) 

ACT III 

SCENE — Breakfast room in home of William Norwood in Chicago, next 
norning. Table in center with chairs for five persons. Davenport E. and 
Dack. Small serving table L. and back. Flat bowl of flowers on table, 
md plates and silver, and glasses. The bowls of berries are brought in and 
)laced in plates. All characters, except Dr. Bruce, are dressed for break- 
fast, and eat daintily. 

FLO — (E. Full of life) Well, mother, are all the servants on strike again? 

18 



MES. NORWOOD— (Arranging flowers at table) No. I am the servant 
this morning. I wanted Jimmy to eat his twenty first breakfast out of 
my own hand. Just be patient. (L). 

FLO. — 0, I forgot his present. (Goes R. meeting Marjory) Did you 
remember to bring your gift Marjory? 

MARJORY — (R) O, yes, I have it. (Shows small box and places it at 
his plate.) 
• FLO — I will run up and get mine. (Starts) 

MAR J. — Where is mother? 

FLO. — In the kitchen. She is doing the serving act, in honor of the oc- 
casion. What do you know about that? 

MARJ. — A service of love, I guess. 

FLO— Something like that. (R) 

MRS. N.: — (L. With tray filled with small bowls of Iberries) Good morn- 
ing, Marjory. 

MARJ. — Good morning mother. Let me help you. I would like a part 
in the ceremonies, (assists Mrs. N, in placing bowls in plates). Sings a 
ditty as she works). Why don't you sing, mother? It makes the work 
lighter. 

MRS. N. — It wouldn't make me forget that time is robbing me of my 
babies. 

MARJ. — (At serving table) There you go, mother dear, garnering your 
grain of sadness, instead of heaping up the joys of life. (Comes up to her 
face). Why, goodness me. You look .as if you were about to cry. I imag- 
ine if I were a boy, and arriving at the splendid age of twenty one I should 
want it to be .a joyous occasion. 

MRS. N. — Don't be alarmed my child. I shall not spoil his birthday with 
a shower of tears — no matter how much I feel like it. 

MARJ. — Well, straighten up that face then; for I can see tears in the 
offing. (Smile). 

MRS. N. — The tears in the offing are the tears that burn, Marjory. You 
will understand what I mean when you see your own boy reach his twenty 
first milestone, and realize that you must turn Iback and let him go on over 
the hill of life without you. (L. with Tray) 

FLO — (R. with small box) Now I am ready for the gent. (Places it at 
his plate). I hope he likes my gift. 

MARJ. — Flo, mother is on the verge of tears. 

FLO — Why does she always celebrate a birthday and a wedding with 
that verge of tears stuff? 

MARJ. — She says it is a mother's secret. She has just been explaining it 
to me, and it is really very beautiful. 

FLO — Well, now, would you mind passing the explanation along to me? 

MARJ. — (Goes L) O, you wouldn't understand. 

FLO — Am I as stupid as that? 

MARJ. — (Turns) Who said you were stupid? 

FLO — Nobody, but you. 

MARJ. — You misunderstood me. Let me explain. When I said you would 
not understand I meant that what mother said was too serious to be appre- 
ciated by anyone whose heart is young, and necessarily more or less — ah — 
shallow. Or," in other words, a deep emotion cannot hide itself in a shallow 
heart — if you get me. 

FLO — I get you. Go on Grandma. 

MARJ. — (Sits at table) Don't be offended, Flo. I didn't understand her 
myself. She says we cannot know how she feels until we are much, much 
older. 

FLO — I accept your apologies. 

19 



MAE J. — Apologies 1 

FLO — Yes, I accept them. But still I don't understand why mother should 
be sad. After all that has happened to poor Jimmy I think she should be 
^lad to have him with us, birthday, or no birthday. (Goes to serving ta'ble). 
This may be his last one. 

MARJ. — Why do you say that? The doctors say he is entirely well. 

FLO. — I know they do. And they said when he came back from France 
that lie could never walk again. Now he is walking as good as anyl^ody. 
Why, it is plain enough for even you to see that one cannot depend on 
what the doctors say. 

MARJ.— O, my goodness! Such wisdom. 

FLO. — I may be ever so young and silly, but I can see that Jimmy has a 
war wound much worse than any physical hurt he has suffered. His spirit 
is V)roken. He is not the same carefree and jolly Jimmy who went out of 
this house two vears ago. 

MAR J.— Well,' doctor, what is the trouble ? 

FLO. — (Drawing down the corners of her mouth and pretending to twist 
a mustache). ^Vell, now, I would say, ahem, ah, we have not found the 
cause. And when we do, gentlemen, we will find that this trouble is, ah, 
superinduced by, well, let us say, some little girl who came into his life 
right at a time to produce a heart lesion. Ahem. 

MARJ. — 0, don't be silly, Flo. If that were true he would have some 
pictures, or letters, or something to show for it. 

FLO.— How do you know but that he has a picture away down deep in 
his heart somewdiere? 

MARJ. — He has never said anything tc indicate that there is any such girl. 

FLO. — Perhaps he wasn't understood. 

MARJ. — iWhat do you mean ? 

FLO. — Xow just turn l)ack a few months, and I will tell you something. 
Are you ready? 

MARJ. — Quite, Miss Clairvoyant. 

FLO. — Do you recall one day wlien he was delirious and called for some one? 

MARJ. — O, that was a horrible day. 

FLO. — I admit it was horrible, all right; but that isn't the joke. 

MARJ, — I didn't see any JOKP] about it. 

FLO. — The joke is on you, Marjory. Poor Jimmy's fevered soul was crying 
for MARY, and they took you in. Did you satisfy him? You did not. 

MARJ. — Well, you are the limit. 

FLO — Again I thank you. 

MARJ. — Just how did you get your power of divination? 

FLO. — 1 have a wee gee board. 

MARJ. — ^For the self-respect of the family I beg you not to make public 
any of the Aveird things your far-seeing eyes may behold. 

FLO. — Aw, let up on that Greater-Than-Thou stuff, will you? We are dis- 
cussing Jimmy, and I modestly give it as my humble opinion that all this 
talk about shell shock and war effects do not explain the great change that 
has come over him. The only son and heir of a modern wealthy man does 
not surround himself with books and magazines on farming and country 
life, all for nothing. Neither does he blow cold every time the mothers of 
marriageable daughters try to. impress him. You may call it wee gee board, 
or what not, but I give it as my opinion that some secret influence is at 
work in Jimmy's life. 

MARJ. — Well, Flo, I didn't know you could be so serious, 

FLO. — Don't let it shock you, my dear. 

MARJ. — Stay serious. I want to hear more. 

FLO. — Well, take this for instance. One day last winter wlien snow and 
ice were over everything, i went into his room and found him gazing out the 

20 



window. I said, "Beautiful, isn't it?" He looked at me with liis eyes beam- 
ing and said, "I was just tliinking of Gimper's sheep, and wondering how 
lie manages to keep them w^arm on a day like this!" 

MARJ. — You mentioned tlieir w^ool, I guess. 

FLO. — No, I said something about that being the business of the farm 
hands, and, as if lie meant it, he said, ''I'd love to be there to help them. 
But that's a man's job, Flo, and I am afraid I shall never l)e able to do a 
' man's job any more." O, it is plain enough to me that the FARM IS CALL- 
ING JIMMY. 

MARJ. — Or some pretty farm maiden. 

FLO. — Well, if any maiden at all is calling him, it is not the one we want 
Iiiin to marry. 

MARJ. — Maybe you are right, Flo. (Picks up package at his plate). I 
wonder what mother is giving him today. 

FLO. — Slie lias kept it a secret; but of one thing you may be certain, she 
is giving him her wonted affection in large measure.' 

MARJ. — I wonder what father will give him. 

FLO. — O, something nice — and a chunk of advice. (L). 

MR. NORWOOD— (R) Good morning, Marjory. (Sits at R. of table and 
takes up paper at his plate, cutting through to market page). 

MARJ. — 'Morning, dad. See Jimmy's gifts? 

MR. N. — (Reading) Yes, yes. Very nice. 

MARJ. — Why don't you rave over them? 

MR. N. — (Same) I will rave w^hen the bills come in. (Marj. snickers) 
By George, if wheat keeps this up I feel sorry for the lambs on the Chicago 
Board of Trade. (Smiles). 

MARJ. — O, forget the old stock quotations just this morning, can't you? 

]MR. N.— Hi don't want these berries. Tell Parker to bring me a grape fruit. 

MaRJ. — Now, daddy, you must eat the berries, whether you want them 
or not. Mother is doing the serving this morning. 

MR. N. — Such nonsense. 0, well, I hope she doesn't burn the toast. (Reads). 

MARJ. — I will tell her you have come dowm. (L). 

MRS. N. — (L. with napkins, which she lays at plates. Spreads J's. over 
his presents). Well, daddy, our boy is a man, now% isn't he? 

MR. N. — 0, yes, and I guess he feels it. (He says this indifferently and 
turns page ) . 

]MRS. N. — You know just how he feels, don't you? 

MR. N. — (Still reading). 0, yes, I know how* he feels. (Chuckles). But 
let him enjoy it. He w^on't ever feel so important again. 

MRS. N.— Are you sure of that? (Smiles). 

MR. I\. — Absolutely. Nothing to equal it. 

MRS. N. — (Sits at his L. leaning on table). I didn't see how important 
you looked on your twentj^-first birthday. (Smiles). But twenty-one years 
ago today, when vou held little Jimmv in vour arms for the first time — ■ 
well, you' looked a' little IMPORTANT then. 

MR. N. — '(Lays paper down and looks at her and smiles). Guess I did. 
Helen. Guess I did. i w^as very happy that day. 

MRS. N. — I remember it very well; for it is the only day in our lives that 
you seemed to care more for your home than for business. 

MR. N. — O, no, Helen. I may have seemed indifferent, but it is just be- 
cause I had to give all my time to other matters. I nave made a fortune for 
you and that should be enough, 

MRS. N. — It isn't, William. I know you have given me the social position 
and prestige that go with wealth, but something is lacking still. And that 
something you can never give me as long as you sacrifice your life to the 
sordid business of merely making money. 

MR. N. — Well, what would you have me do? 

MRS. N. — Something that includes me, dear. 

21 



MR. N. — All right, old girl, as soon as I can train Jimmy to take my place 
I promise you to quit business and play with you at anything you may de- 
sire. He starts this training today. (Takes folded sheet from pocket). Here 
is a transfer to nim of my seat on the Chicago Board of Trade, and when he 
reaches the office this morning he will find all signs reading "William Nor- 
wood & SON". (Smiles). 

MRS. N. — Is that your birthday present? 

MR. N. — Yes. I want him to begin his career today, and make it a great 
one. 

MRS. N. — T am afraid Jimmy isn't going to like the work as well as you do. 

MR. N. — That is no reason why he should be relieved of his duties and obli- 
gations, is it? 

MRS. N.— Do you think this is his DUTY? 

MR. N. — I certainly do. You want him to succeed, don't you? 

MRS. N. — Of course I do. But it does seem to me that he could gain suc- 
cess in other ways in which there is more room for a little — 0, I can't ex- 
press just how I feel. 

MR, N. — Look here, Helen! This is a matter of cold steel business, and 
sentiment has no place in it. Jimmy, like all young fellows, has a lot of 
crazy ideas, and, if let alone, would waste the best part of his life experi- 
menting with them. It is my plain duty to prevent this; and I sincerely hope 
you will not make it harder for me by letting him feel your sympathy. Just 
leave him in my hands, won't you? 

MRS. N. — (Rises) We disagree, but of course, your judgment is best; 
(Meaningly) for I am only his mother, you know, and perhaps blind to his 
best interests. (L). 

MR. N. — (To Aud.) When they talk that way, it means a fight, and you'd 
better look out. 

JIMMY — (R) Good morning, father. 

MR. N. — (Rises and shakes hands) Why, good morning son. Let me be the 
first to congratulate you on this momentous occasion. 

J. — Thank you. Thank you, very much. (Crosses to meet Mrs, N., who 
is smiling). 

MRS. N. — Happy birthday, my boy. (Takes his face in both her hands 
and kisses him. Looks at him then bows head on his shoulder. J. pats her 
head and is quiet short space. Then turns to look at his father, who quickly 
turns front and coughs in his hand. Mrs. N. goes to serving table). 

MARJ. — (L. with bowl of sugar) Behold, young man, I bring a bowl of 
sugar as an emblem of my heart's desire to sweeten all your sorrows. 

FLO. — (L, with pitche/- of cream) And, not to be outdone, I bring a 
pitcher of pure cream, and I trust you will interpret this humble act to 
mean that I wish you the best of everything. (They advance to table). 

MR. N. — Come on, son, with a speech. 

J. — I have no speech to make, but I do think it is a clever idea to put 
sugar and cream on two such beautiful peaches. (Bows. All laugh). 

MARJ. — Now, just for that we wish you a happy birthday, don't we, Flo? 

FLO. — Sure! We are glad to have another MAN in the house. (Goes up 
to J. and drav,M her finger across his lip). But I say, Jimmy, I thought 
MEN had whiskers. 

J. — Aw, go on, Flo. Give me time. 

MARJ. — And they do say if you keep the DOWN cut off a beard will 
finally come. 

FLO. — But he hasn't even got the down. 

J. — Aw, I HAVE, too. (Embarrassed). 

MARJ.— Of course you have. Let me feel it. (With a white powder which 
she has concealed on her finger she paints his lip white, then stoops toward 
left and calls, Kitty, kitty, kitty). 

22 



J. What is the joke? 

MRS. N. — (Comes up with napkins and thoroughly cleans liis lip. Don't 
let them guy you,, son. You have as many whiskers as they have. 

MR. N. — O, ho-ho-ho. How about breakfast? 

FLO.— That is what I say. Let's eat. (They sit at table— Mrs. N.— L: 
Marjory, Jimmy and Flo, in order named at back. Mr. N. — R. All but J. 
eat their berries — just a few of them between speeches. J. removes napkin 
and discovers gifts). 

J. — Ah, is this an extra course? 

FLO. — Extra and individual. (Takes berries). 

J. — (Takes up stick pin and admires it). My, that is a beauty. (Takea 
card from box and read it, turning to MARJ.) Thanks, Marjory. That is 
mighty nice; but I fear you gave your allowance a mighty wrench to buy it. 

MARJ. — Well, it did very nearly bankrupt me, ]>ut at that it isn't good 
enough for you. 

MRS. N.— It is beautiful. 

J.^It certainly is, Marjory, and you have ALL of my appreciation. 

FLO. — Is that so? (Takes up her gift) If you have no more appreciation 
you get no more gifts. So there. (Holds box away). 

J. — All right, Flo. The gift in your hand, whatever it is, is small com- 
pared with knowing that you value my appreciation. 

FLO. — Are you trying to outwit me? 

J. — I couldn't do that, I am sure. 

FLO. — Just for that you may have it. 

MR. N. — Pretty good, Jimmy. 

FLO.— How's that! (With-holds box). 

MR. N. — Why Jimmy traded you a cheap compliment for a $1,000 ring. 
I — stop kicking me in the shins, Flo. 

FLO. — Well, you stop telling secrets, then. 

MR. N. — Well, now I say ring, it may be a wrist watch or a wagon. The 
point is that he got something for nothing. (Smiles). 

FLO.— That i3 all right. I'll get it back on MY birthday, WON'T I, 
Jimmy ? Here. 

J. — (Takes the ring from box) Phew! It caused quite an argument, but 
it is worth it, Flo, and I thank you. And let me say, girls, these diamonds, 
as brilliantly beautiful as they are, are but counterfeit presentments of the 
donors. 

MARJ. — (Arm round his chair and head on his shoulder) You dear old 
buddie-boy ! 

FLO. — Here, let me in on that, will you. (Takes same position as M.) 

J. — (His hands up to their heads, and looking down) Your goodness 
overwhelms me. (Waits) And if indeed I am a man I suppose I should 
act and talk like a man. 

FLO. — Xow listen, everybody. Jimmy is going to talk like a man. (Turns 
eyes to Mr. N.) 

MR. N. — (Finger to lip^ and frowns at her), 

FLO. — I meant to say, Jimmy dear, that you — ah — ah — yes — yes. That's it. 

J. — That is all right, Flo.; but you mustn't expect too much of me all 
at once. 

FLO. — Xow, Jimmy, forget my rudeness and say what is in your dear 
old heart. 

J. — I was only going to say that I feel sorry for the boy who is not bol- 
stered up with the purifying love of two good sisters. 

MR. N. — (Waits) That goes for mother, too, doesn't it, son? 

J. — (Feelingly and slowly, smiling at her) Yes, of course it does. (To 
his father) And it goes for you, too, father. (Girls up). 

23 



MK. N. — (Lookiiif? round liis plate) Ahom ! Ah — pass ma tlio crcain, 
Helen. 

MRS. N.— Where is it, Marjory? 

MARJ. — Have you seen it, Flo.? 

FLO. — Wnat, the cream? Sure. Here it is at fatlier's plate. Wlio wants it? 

MRS. N.— Your father. (Smiles). 

FLO. — What do you want with it? You have eaten all your herries. 

MR. N. — 0, I just wanted to have it ready for the coffee. (Shrugs soul- 
ders ) . 

MARJ. — Now for mother's gift. I am anxious to know* what it is. (All 
are quiet) . 

J. — (Takes out Bible and holds it open on his hand. Takes out card and 
reads it silently. Then smiling at Mrs. N.) All right, mother. I promise. 

MARJ. — Promise what. 

FLO. — Yes. No secrets today, remember. 

J. — It is no secret at all. In this little note, after assuring me her prayers 
will follow me all tlie days of my life, mother expresses the hope that I will 
always make my decisions of right and wrong by the light of this Holy 
Book. And I promise her to do that. (Replaces book). 

MARJ. — Tliat won't be easv to do in these davs of selfishness, Avill it, 
father? 

MR. N. — On Sundav, only — unless he is content to be no better than the 
AVERAGE MAN. 

J. — (Takes pencil and writes it on box). 

MARJ.— (Takes box and reads) THE AVERAGE MAN. 

FLO. — Who is he, I wonder. 

J. — He is neither pauper nor prince: nor serf nor moneyed king; nor saint 
nor sinner, nor any such thing. For every fault he has a virtue, and for 
every failure an abiding faith in better things. And mv hat is off to the 
lionest to goodness AVERAGE MAN. 

MR. N. — Is he your ideal man? 

J. — I admire him, yes sir. Don't you? 

MR. N. — No. I use him. (Smile) Just as I want you to do. Do we 
get any more breakfast, Helen ? 

MRS. N. — (Rise) In just a moment. (Girls assist in removing bowls). 

J. — Take mine, too, Flo. I do not care for any fruit. (Mrs. N. and the 
girls L.) 

MR. N. — (Studies J., Avho is thoughtfully marking on table with fork) 
Well, Jimmy, I guess you are thinking I am the only one who did not care 
enough to bring you a gift today. 

J. — 0, no. I don't feel that way. 

MR. N. — Didn't you expect something? 

J. — I shouldn't have been surprised, sir. 

MR. N. — (Takes paper from pocket) You are a man now, Jimmy, but you 
are still my boy; and I am expecting great things of you. 

J. — I hope I shan't disappoint you. 

MR. N. — You w^on't if you take my advice and buckle right down to busi- 
ness. And I know you will do that. (Gives paper). There is my seat on 
the Board. It is worth $25,000, and with it goes a junior partnership in 
the new firm of William Norwood & Company. (Smiles). That is my birth- 
day gift, son. (Jimmy looks at paper thoughtfully for a moment). Why so 
serious? 1 thought you would be overjoyed. 

J. — Thank you, father. I feel honored to have so much of your confi- 
dence, and will try not to disappoint you. 

MR. N. — You won't, I am sure. I will help you over the rough places 
and teach you how the game is played. Then when you can go it alone I 
shall turn it ovei- to you and take a rest. 

24 



FLO. — (R) Dr. Bruco to aoo you, fatlior. 

MR. N. — (Rises) Tell mother 1 don't care for any more l)reakfast. (R) 

FLO. — What did he give you, Jimmy? 

.T. — 1:18 didn't give me anvthing, Flo. 

FLO.— (Takes paper) What is this? 

J. — That is what he offers me in exchangt' for my own way of living 
and happin >ss. 

FLO. — Going to take him up, aren't you? 

J. — I suppose I must. 

FLO. — You want to live on a farm, don't you ? 

J. — (Quickly) Why do you say that? 

FLO. — ^O come, Buddy, and tell little sis all about it. Mayl)e I can hel| 
you. 

MRS. N. — (L. with plate of rolls) Will you get some coffee cups, Flo? 

FLO. — Father said he didn't care for more breakfast. (L) 

J. — Sit down, mother. I want to talk to vou. 

MRS. N.— (Sits) All right, son. What is 'it? 

J. — You know father's plans, don't vou? 

MRS. N.— Yes, I know it all. 

J. — Do you think it could be arranged for me to take a vacation first? 

MRS. N. — You should ask him about that. 

J. — I'd rather ask you and let you ask him. (Smile) You can out-taU 
him. I can't. 

MRS. N. — Do you need a vacation? 

J. — No. I am well enough to go to work, but there is something T wouh 
like to do first. 

MRS. N.— Tell me what it is. 

J. — Well, I^I— O, it's no use. 

MRS. N. — Jimmy, you are not keeping a secret from mother, are you? 

J. — Yes, but I will tell you. I do not want to spend my life as father has 
And I would give anything if I could go down and stay with Gimper a wliih 
— at least until I have forgotten some of the things I have been through. 

MRS. N. — Is Mary Mondell still down there? 

J. — You'd like Mary, mother. (Embarrassed). 

MRS. N.— Tell me all about it, son. 

J.— That's all. 

MRS. N. — If.it could be arranged for you to go doAvn there for a whih 
would you promise to come back and do as father wishes? 

J. — Do you want me to do that? 

MRS. N. — I want you to be happy above everything else in the world. 

J. — Then let me go down to Gimper's. I love every acre of his big fine 
farm, and his good honest neighbors. And the rain and the sunshine, dowr 
there. And as for Gimper — why, Gimper is a prince, mother. 

MRS. N. — Dear old father, and dear old farm. I love them both just as 
you do, Jimmy. 

J. — Then why can't we show it more? 

MRS. N. — My first duty is to my home, son, and I am not sure but thai 
yours is, too. 

J. — All right, mother. It's the one pure wish of my heart, but if I must 
give it up I can. 

DR. BRUCE— (R) Hello. 

MRS. N. — Wny! It's Dr. Bruce. Good morning. I am surprised to sec 
you so early. 

DR. B. — Now, you shouldn't be surprised to see vour family phvsician at 
ANY hour. ESPECIALLY on a birthday. (Offers hand to Jimmy) And 
may I wisn you a very happy day today, sir. 

J. — T.iank you, Dr. Bruce. I owe it to you. 

25 



DR. B. — Well, I pulled you through all right, and I am mighty glad to 

I you in such fine shape to begin the work your father has just been tell- 

y me about. With such advantages you should step out at a lively gait. 

MRS. N. — Won't you have a cup of coffee? I made it myself. 

DR. B. — Now I bet it is good. 

J. — I will bring you one. (L). 

MRS. N. — (Sits on davenport R.) Sit down, Dr. Bruce. I want a con- 

Itation. 

DR. B.— (Sits by her) All right. 

MRS. N. — Do you think Jimmy is strong enough to undertake this work 

w? 

DR. B. — lEf I didn't I certainly wouldn't let him do it. 

MRS. N. — Then you couldn't conscienciously advise his father to wait a 

die? 

DR. B. — I see no reason why I should. 

MRS. N. — My boy has suffered a great deal, you know. Doctor. 

DR. B. — But that is all over with now, and I do not anticipate any evil 

ects from strict application to business. I will promise you to watch him 

•sely. 

MRS. N. — 0, very well. Just forget that I mentioned it. (Flicks speck 

' dress ) . 

DR. B. — (Studies her, stroking his chin and smiling) You might tell me 

it why you mention this matter. 

MRS. N. — What's the use? If it can't be arranged for him to live a little 

his life in his own way before he sells himself to money-making, as his 
:her has done, why, that is the end to the matter. 

DR. B. — 0, that is different again. I was talking about his HEALTH. 
MRS. N. — What is health without happiness. Dr. Bruce? And down on 
5 grandfather's farm he would have both. 
DR. B. — You mean to live down there? 
MRS. N. — He could do much worse. 
DR. B. — And marry some country girl? 
MRS. N. — (Smile) I came from that farm. 

DR. B. — I know you did; and I know that you think it is the greatest 
ice on earth. It is perfectly natural that Jimmy should love it, too; but 
lether he is a broker or a farmer is not for me to decide. (Smiles). 
MRS. N. — If you had a heart as big as a flea you could dQcide it. 
J. — (L. with coffee on waiter) Here you are doctor. (Mrs. N. hands 
p to Dr. B.) 

DR. B. — ^You make a very fine maid, Jimmy. 
J. — La la. Monsieur. (Courtesy). 
DR. B. — (Raises cup) To mother and son. (Drinks some) My! that 

fine. (Drinks more and returns cup to J.) Here, hold that out and 

me see your nerve. (J. obeys). 
DR. B. — (To Mrs. N.) Steady as a jug! (Rises) Now, let me listen to 
a-t heart. (Lays head on breast and listens) With a heart like that 
u ought to have fine health, my boy. (Mrs. N. makes face at Dr. B. and 
es out L Dr. B. looks after her and smiles) And with a mother like 
it you ought to be very happy. 
J. — Thank you, doctor. 

MR. N. — (R) Well, it is time to go to the office. Get your hat, Jimmy, 
will let you ride down with me this morning. (Puts on gloves). 
J. — In just a moment, sir. (R). 
DR. B.— That's a fine boy, William. 
MR. N. — They don't come any finer, Tom. 

DR. B. — It's a pity you can't let him get a little stronger before you yoke 
m up. 

26 



I 



MR. N. — Why, you told me he was entirely recovered. And only this 
morning you said — 

DR. B. — I know 1 did. I say so now; but it wouldn't be a bad idea to 
let him go down to his grandfather's farm and get tough. 

MR. N. — 0, not down there, Tom. I sent him to that farm once, and the 
next time I heard from him he was in France. 

DR. B. — Well, you have forgiven him for that, haven't you? 

MR. N. — Forgiven him! Why that is why I am so proud of him. He 
did his duty like a man, and — I must say it — in spite of me. 

DR. B. — Well, a place that can make a man out of a spoiled boy is a 
good place for him, and I don't think you would go wrong to take my advice 
and send him down for a few weeks. 

MR. 2\. — 0, well, if you say so, all right. I have an important conference 
at 10 o'clock. Explain it to Jimmy. (Turns R.) 

J. — (R. hat in hand) I am ready. 

MR. N. — After talking to Dr. Bruce 1 have decided it would be better foi 
you to go doAvn to the farm and get good and tough. 

J. — (Pleased) Thank you, father. That is a birthday present worth 
having. 

MR. N. — I will see you before you go. (R). 

J. — Thanks, a thousand times, Dr. Bruce. 

DR. B. — Don't thank me, Jimmy. Thank the one who did it. 

J. — Then who did it? (Both serious). 

DR. B. — Who always does most for a boy? 

J. — (Smiling and slowly) Why, that would be his MOTHER, of course. 
CURTAIN. 

ACT IV. 

Scene Same as Act I. Three Months Later. 

Mr. Slayton in rocking chair, reading. 

DAN — (R) Massar Slayton, dem chil'n is fussin agin, out yonder, 

MR. S. — (Chuckles) Not serious, is it? 

D.— De argumint is PURTY hot. 

MR. S. — Which one is right? 

D. — Aaint neither one of 'm right. 

MR. S. — What is it about this time? 

D.— Mister King brung dat new colt over and den it stahted. Massar 
Jimmy say he gwine to make a pacin hoss; and Miss Mary she say he gwine 
to trot. 

MR. S. — Whii L one did you agree with? 

D. — Shucks, I got more sense den to agree wid eder one of 'm: But Miss 
Mary said you would agree wid her. 

MR. S.— O, sh3 did, did she. 

D. — Yassar. Heah dey come. 

M. — (R. leading J. by ear) Come on to court and I will prove to you that 
he will make a trotting horse. (Jimmy says "Pacing horse." Mary say a 
"Trotting .-orse," ad lib). 

D. — Better sep'rate 'm, Massar Slayton. 

MR. S. — Here, here. What's the matter? 

M. — (Releases J. and he crosses to L). That colt of Mr. King's Giraper — 

J.— He is going to PACE, isn't he? 

:\I.~Not so. He is going to TROT, I tell you. (J. says "Pace"; M. "Trot" 
^d lib.) 

MR. S. — -Wait a minute. Which is which? 

J.— Why its PACE. 

M. — Not so. It's TROT, and you know it. 

J. — What say, Gimper, pace or trot? 

27 



MR. S. — What do you say, Dan? 

D. — I ain't sayin a word. You tell 'ni. 

MR. S.— Well, Mary, I don't think he'll trot. 

J. — ^(Elated) Now i guess you believe me. 

M. — (Makes face at him). 

MR. S.— And I KNOW he won't pace. 

J. — (Face straight) Sir! 

M. — Why don't you laugh some more, sniarty? 

J.— Then what will he do? 

D. — Maj^be he's one of dem flyin Pegasuses. 

M. — Well, I don't care what he does — just so he doesn't pace. (Sits on 
davenport R ) . 

MRS. M. — (L, with sheet of paper) What is the argument about now? 

MR. S.— That $10,000 colt of King's. 

M. — You saw him. Will he trot or pace? 

MRS, M. — Why, his long neck, straight legs and slender body looked like a 
runner to me. 

MR. S. — ^Right, Molly. You've got horse sense, 

M. — (Beckons) Come on over here, Jimmy, and let's suffer together. (He 
starts) . 

MRS. M. — Here is a message for you, Jimmy. I took it over the tele- 
phone. (Give it). 

J. — Thank you. (Reads) Why it is from dear old Dr. Bruce. Says he 
will arrive at ten o'clock. Is your car running good, Gimper? 

MR, S. — Nothing to do but step on it, son. (Looks at watch) And you'll 
have to hurry. 

J. — W^ant to pace along with me, Mary? 

M.— No, but I'll TROT along with voii. 

MRS. M.— Not like that, Mary. 

M. — Isn't this dress all right? 

J. — (Takes her by the hand) Sure it's all right. And you don't need 
any hat. I want Dr. Bruce to see you just as you are. (R). 

MR. S. — (At door R. looking after them) They get more happiness out 
of being contrary than any two people I ever saw, 

MRS. M. — Yes, they argue everything. First, tliis morning it was the 
number of plows a tractor should pull. And when that colt came up they 
were disputing about the percentage of hens and roosters the incubator 
would natch, 

MR. S. — ^And now, I fancy, they will be arguing just how far to advance 
the spark to get the most out of the motor. And if we were with them we 
would laugh and think only of the car — forgetting how youth experiments 
with the living spark that drives (liand to heart) the great master motor 
of life. It is the way of youth, Molly, and let them enjoy it; for they can 
pass that way but once. It will be time enough to be serious when they 
begin to bury their adolescent idols and realize that they can no longer trust 
the glowing furnace of Youth to transmute every beautiless thing into a 
golden promise. Youth! Molly, Youth! It is the fairyland of life to which 
we all look back witn pleasure and longing, and from which there comes 
down across the vears the tender-sweet memories that old age loves best 
of all. (R). 

D. — He ain't dade yit, is he? 

MRS. M. — I hope lie lives a long, long time. 

D. — I does, too; case I don't know what gwine to become of I and you 
when he dies — onless Massar Jimmy and Miss Mary marries. 

MRS. M. — Don't say that any more, Dan. 

D. — Wellam. Who's dey gone to meet? 

28 



MRS. M. — An old friond of Jimmy's family, TT(> will ho horo for dinuor. 
and you must use your best style. 

D. — If you'll furnish me one of yo' oood chicken pies to go wid dem new- 
peas and strawberries what T done picked iirly dis mawnin, I'll promise you 
dat he lacks ma style. 

MRS. M. — A good idea. Dress two iiice young chickens and I will make 
the pie. (L). 

D. — (Going R) LO-OK out chickens, I's acomin. (Almost collides with 
Mrs, G.) Escus3 me, Miss Gunn. T didn't mean to bump into you. Ts 
after a YOU^G chicken. (Places chair) Sit down, Miss Gunn. " I'll tell 
Miss Molly you done come. 

MRS. G. — 'Do that. I want to talk a wliile. 

D. — (Going L-.) Now, dogonit, dar goes mah cliicken pie. (L). 

MRS. G. — I declare to goodness, every time unpleasant things has to be 
told I am the one selected to do it. (Fans) But somebody should ought 
to tell her wiiat the neighbors is sayin, and it might as welf be me as any- 
body. I'll do MY duty, and then if things goes wrong she cain't blame me. 

MRS, M. — (L) Why good morning, Mrs. Gunn 

MRS. G.— Ain't it hot today ? 

MRS. M. — I think it is pleasant. 

MRS. G.— Well, it ain't pleasant to me. 

MRS. M. — Would you like some cold water? 

MRS. G. — No; I'm afraid to cool too fast. Sit down, Mizries ]Mondell. 
They's somethin I feel J should ought to tell you. 

MRS. M. — You wouldn't mind going to the kitchen, would you. I am ex- 
pecting company. 

MRS. G.— Who, I wonder. 

MRS. M. — One of Mr. Norwood's friends. 

MRS. G. — iW hat's his name? 

MRS. M.— Dr. Thomas Mills Bruce, of Chicago. 

MRS. G. — Well, he ain't no better 'n anybody else. And Mr. Norwood 
ain't neither, for that matter, and if I was you I'd set him down to the 
reg'lar fare. Is Jimmy goin off with him? 

MRS. M. — I don't know,I am sure. 

MRS. G. — Well, what's he comin for? 

MRS. M,— I can't tell you that, either. 

MRS, G. — Well, I wouldn't be surprised at nothin that happens at this 
house no more. 

MRS. M. — Why do you say that? Has anything happened here that you 
do not approve? 

MRS. G. — I ain't sayin nothin, but the neighbors is talkin. And that re- 
minds me. Sit down, Mizries Mondell. 

MRS. M. — I don't care to hear it, Mrs. Gunn. 

MRS. G. — Well, of course, if you ain't interested in what folks is sayin 
about the way Mary is gallivantin round with this rich man's son who is 
just usin her as a plaything, and even down livin right here in the house 
with her, and everything, Avhy, I reckon there ain't no need of me tellin 
you about it. 

MRS. M. — (Smile) Not at all, Mrs. Gunn, and please don't let it worry 
you. 

MRS. G. — O, it ain't a-worryin me none. It's the neighbors that is upset 
about it. And what tickles me so is the way YOU have got 'm fooled. 
(Playing up) And do you know, Mizries Mondell, I think it is plumb down 
cute the way you air sett in yore cap for old man Slay ton. 

MRS. M.: — Don't stop until you have finished. 

MRS. G. — That's about all. I just wanted to let you know you ain't got 

29 



mc fooled none. And 1 think it is real romantic to marry the man you have 
worked for all your life. 

MRS. M. — If you have any more unkind things to say, please say them. 

MRS. G. — Now don't git mad, just 'cause I got on to your secret. 

MRS. M. — i am not mad, but I am deeply hurt to think that you could 
so misunderstand me. Why, I love Mr. Slayton just like a father; for he 
has been just that to me. And nothing you can say either to me or your 
neighbors, as you call them, can make me less devoted to him. As for Mary 
and Jimmy, that isn't any of your business, either. They are returning now 
and will entertain you. 

MRS. G. — (Rises) Well, I'll be goin. I didn't mean to hurt yore feelins. 
Come over to see me sometime. (L. Mrs. M. changes positions of chairs). 

M. — R. with Dr. B.) Come right in, Dr. Bruce, and meet the cook and 
liousekeeper, my mother, Mrs. Mondell. 

MRS. M. — (Offers hand) How do you do. Dr. Bruce. I am glad to meet 
you. 

DR. B. — I am delighted to know you, Mrs. Mondell. In fact, I have 
known you for a long time — through Jimmy and his mother. They often 
mention your name, and always kindly. (G-. L.) 

M. — ^This is Gimper. Dr. Bruce — Mr. Slayton. 

MR. S. — Why, I expected an OLD man. Glad to see you. Doctor How 
are you? (Hearty shake). 

DR. B. — Fine, Mr. Slayton, thank you. And I would like to know why 
you expected an OLD man. 

MR. S. — I don't know. Something Jimmy said. 

DR. B. — I'll see the young man about that. (D. R. with bag) This is 
Uncle Dan, isn't it? 

D. — At yo' suwice, sah. (Bows). 

MRS. M. — The doctor will occupy the east room. 

D. — Yassam. (Go L) Bath hot or cold, sah? 

DR. B. — Why, ah, cold, please. Uncle Dan. 

D. — Yassar. (Aside to Mrs. M.) Don't forgit dat chicken pie, Miss 
Molly. (L). 

DR. B. — Didn't he say chicken pie? 

MRS. M. — Do you like them, doctor? 

DR. B. — Do I like them! Why, I think it was a chicken pie that Esau 
cheated Jacob out of. 

MRS. M. — ^I am making one for dinner. I hope you will not be disap- 
pointed in it. (L.) 

MR. S. — I guarantee that you won't be disappointed in Molly's chicken 
pie. Dan says she put the chick in chicken. Sit down, Doctor. I am mighty 
glad you have come, and I hope you will stay a long time. 

DR. B. — Thank you, but I am overdue in Chicago and must hurry on 
tomorrow, with Jimmy. 

MR. S. — You are not going to take my boy away from me, are you? 

DR. B. — His father is depending on me to say when he is physically fit. 
(Smile) And with the start he had when I sent him down here I expect to 
find him quite well. 

MR. S. — >..ien you sent him down here? 

DR. B. — Yes. His father wanted to start him in business, but I learned 
through his splendid mother that he wanted to come down to Gimpers — 
isn't that what he calls you — Gimper? 

MR. S. — Yes, that is what he called me when he was a little fellow. He 
taught it to Mary, and much to my delight, they have never improved upon 
it. And if you knew how happy I am to have him with me you would under- 
stand why I don't want him to leave. I don't see how I can get along without 
nim. 

30 



DR. B. — Does he really help you manage the farm? 

MR. S. — No. He manages it. And I stand back and wonder how he does 
it so well. Why in these three short months he has won the respect and 
willing obedience of every man on the place. And this is true also of the 
community. We will all miss him. 

DR. B. — I am glad he has made himself useful. 

MR, S. — Indeed he has. Why, he has shaken a lot of us old tightwads 
down to tne tune of $100,000 for a much-needed new school building. And 
there's the new bond issue for good roads. He led that fight. He has or- 
ganized a troop of Boy Scouts — ^and they swear by him. Mary already had 
the girls organized. And, my! what good, wholesome times these kids have 
now. And he teaches a class at Sunday School. (Smile) But he had to 
give that up, because some of the scouts who belonged to another churcli 
wanted to change their membership. The boy thinks country life is worth 
living, and tries to make it what it ought to be. And if he hasn't put his 
whole soul into the work he is the best actor I ever saw. 

DR. B. — I am glad to hear that fine report of him. And really I hate to 
take him away. 

MR. S. — I wish he could stay with me, 

DR. B. — I think I see a solution for the whole matter. May I suggest it? 

MR. S. — I wish you would. Doctor. 

DR. B. — You are getting old. Why not sell the farm and take life easy? 

Mj-v. S. — No. Jimmy gets this farm some day. 

DR. B. — Then put it in the hands of someone you can trust and go live 
with Jimmy in Chicago. I am sure Mr. Norwood would welcome you, and it 
would make your daughter very happy. 

MR. S. — I would be welcome, I know. But this is home to me, doctor. 1 
will just stay here. 

DR. B. — How long have you lived here? 

MR. S.— Fifty-one years ago next January I came here with the most 
wonderful woma.i in all the world — Jimmy's grandmother. Not to this 
modern house, of course — just two little rooms. They are the heart of this 
big house, and are tucked away in the left side there for protection and 
safe keeping. They are my rooms, and how I thank God for the memories 
they contain. 

DR. B. — Memory is a great blessing, isn't it? 

MR. S. — It is very dear to an old man, sir. With it I am able to live 
over and over again the happiness of that day long ago when my good wife 
first came into our humble little home, and after the fashion of those times, 
hung two little placards on the walls. One of them read "Home Sweet 
Home," and the other one asked God to bless it. She cared for that little 
home as if she loved it, and I went afield to work for her. (Smile) They 
were happy days, doctor. Well, and then — of course, you know what hap- 
pened them, doctor. 

DR, B, — (Smile) Was it a boy or girl? 

MR. S. — (Slaps his leg) The finest girl you ever saw. At least we 
thought so. And then for three years we were supremely happy. (Sadly) 
Then the boy came. 

DR. B. — I didn't know you had a son. 

MR. S. — (Slowly) I haven't, doctor. (Waits) I buried him in the arms 
of his mother (point, hand shaking) up yonder on the hill. The little girl 
was all I had left. I gave here every advantage and loved her better every 
day. Then one day Jimmy's father came and took lier away. And since 
that day I have sometimes felt that tlie old homestead — no matter how 
much it cost me to build it — is worth just what it will bring on the mar- 
ket. But it is different with me, and, well, I guess I will just stay here 

31 



as long as I live. 0, forgive me, Dr. Bruce, I did not mean to burden you 
witli ail these things. 

DR. B, — You Haven't burdened me at all, sir. It interests me greatly to 
find in what you say the proof of my pet theory that heredity is strongest 
in alternate generations. Jimmy is just like you. Talks like you, thinks 
like you, and looks like you. And I think it is a shame he cannot live like 
you. 

J. — ^(K) Gimper, Mr. Sloan is outside. He thinks he has the culprit. 

ME. S. — Excuse me, doctor. This is important. (R). 

DR. B. — Anything serious, Jimmy? 

J. — (Sits) Now that depends on whether Gimper finds any wool in his 
teeth. 

DR. B. — I see. You have sheep on the farm. 

J. — What would a farm be without a "Wooly Fold"? And when we find 
a lamb with its throat cut we look for the dog with wool in his teeth— 
and kill him. 

DR. B. — The lambs on the Board of Trade are not so well protected, are 
they. ( Smile). 

J. — They don't deserve to be. 

DR. B.— Then you think it is right to kill them off occasionally. Your 
father would be glad to know you feel that way about them. 

J. — Don't misunderstand me. I said they do not deserve protection. T 
should have said they do not deserve the NAME. To call them LAMBS is a 
misnomer. They are nothing but little wolves skulking about with the l>ig 
wolves who prey upon the profits that rightfully belong to the farmers. 

DR. B. — What would your father say to tliat? 

J. — Why, he would say the farmers couldn't get along without such 
services. 

DR. B.— 4And vou think they could? 

J.— I THINK THE FARME'RS SHOULD GET THE CLIP FROM THEIR 
OWN SHEEP. And I consider every strand of the golden fleece that is 
UNJUSTLY taken bv speculators as just so much WOOL IN THEIR 
TEETH. So there. 

DR. B. — You are for the farmers all right. But do you think you'd like 
to be one? 

J. — I know I would, Dr. Bruce. It just exactly suits me. There is some- 
thing in my blood that wants to sing every time I see a new turned furrow, 
or smell a field of new mown hay. (Rises) And there's the enchanting hour 
of dawn, wnen our roosters hurl their clarion voices out against the niglit, 
and ur neighbors' roosters answer back, until the shadowy curtain is lifted 
and the sun steps grandly out upon the stage of a new day. (Smile) I love 
the whole day to its end, and then I love the restful quiet and contentment 
of the eventide. Yes, Dr. Bruce, I would like to be a farmer. (Breaks off) 
Now tell me what brought you down here. 

DR. B. — Well, I stopped off to pick you up and take you back to Chicago. 

J. — Couldn't you go on without me? 
DR. B.— Not if I do my duty. 

J. — What do you mean by that? 

DR. B. — I am sorry to tell you, but your father's nerves are breaking, and 
I am afraid he is headed for a breakdown. I have ordered him to take a 
rest ,but he only laughs at me and hangs on to the ticker tape. 

J. — Poor fatli'er! He has spent his life watcliing tliat old ticker grind out 
its sordid story of fortunes made and lost. And I guess he will want to die 
with a piece of tlie tape in liis hand. 

DR. B. — And wlien be drops it you must take it up, my boy. 
J. — Yes, I guess I must; and I am ready to go back when you say tlie 
word. 

32 



DR. B. — (All right, Jimmy. We leave tomorrow. Now if you will show 
me my room I will get ready for that cliicken pie Mrs. Mondell is making 
for ME. 

J.— (Going L. with him) For YOU! 

DR. B. — Yes. But I will give you some, (L) 

J. — Now, that sounds better. (L) 

MR. N. — (After short wait enters R. leaning heavily on Dan and breath- 
ing and walking with difficulty). Let me sit down, uncle, I feel very 
strange. (Reaches for chair, then straightens up Avith liand to heart and 
collapses. Dan tries to support him, but lets him slip to floor). 

D. — Massar Jimmy! Massar Jimmy! 

J. — (L) What is the matter? 

D. — ^Yo daddy. Git a doctor quick. 

J. — Dr. Bruce! For God's sake come quick. (By liis father) Father, 
fatlier! What on earth is the matter? 

DR. B.— (L) What is it, Jimmy? 

J. — 0, Dr. Bruce, it is my dear old father. Please don't let him die. 

DR. B. — What! (Hastily stoops back of Mr. N. and feels his lieart. 
Mary enters R and takes pillow from davenport and places it under liis 
head, then stands by J., who is stooped at Mr. N's. head). 

J. — <( Calmly) Is he dying? 

DR. B. — (Is silent and leaning the better to study Mr. N's. face, ^^'aits. 
Then slowly shakes his head despairingly, still looking at Mr. N.) 

CURTAIN. 

ACT. V. 

SCENE — Same as ACT IV, and four weeks later. Flo is discovered with 
college annual at table, 

MARJ. — (L, With box supposed to contain a bunch of chicks. If slie actu- 
ally has them she may dump them on table). Flo, want to see something 
cute ? 

FLO. — 0, some fluffy little chicks, (Fondles them) Aren't they just 
darling! 

MARJ. — Lots cuter tlian your pet goat. 

FLO. — Not so. When it comes to cuteness Billy Boy has your chicks 
skinned all over. And it just breaks my heart to leave him. 

MARJ. — Why can't Ave take our pets with us? 

FLO. — Do you think we could manage it? 

MARJ. — Why, in this day of boot-legging anything is possible. 

FLO. — It isn't nice to say boot-legging. 

MARJ.— It isn't? 

FLO.— No. You should say boot-LIMBING. 

MARJ. — Well, then, we will boot-LIMB our pets to Chicago. How shall 
we do it? 

FLO. — Why, that's easv. We will simply — (Thinks) No, that won't do. 

MARJ.— I 'didn't think it would. 

FLO. — Mary knows everything. We Avill ask her. 

MARJ. — (Pointing to annual) That is a good picture of her, isn't it? 

FLO — (Turning pages of book) This Vassar annual is full of them. Have 
you seen it? 

MARJ. — Yes, and I was ])r()ud of lier record, 

FLO. — I'll say she copped. 

MARJ. — Don't you know they were sur[)ris('(l to find a country girl with 
so mucli sense? 

FLO. — 'You don't think city girls liave any corner on l)rains, do you? 

MARJ. — Well, I used to think they made the best use of what tliey did have. 

FLO. — 0, we all make mistakes. (Smile) 

33 



MAR J.— How is that? 

FLO. — ^My dear child, don't you know that 166 per cent of the world's 
greatest work has been done with brains from the farm? 

MARJ. — Brains may come from the farms, but the point I am trying to 
make is that they go to the cities. 

FLO. — Let 'm go to the city. The Lord knows they need them. 

MARJ. — What has this argument to do with getting our pets to Chicago? 

FLO. — 0, nothing, except that two city girls must enlist the brains of a 
country girl to get something done. (Rises) Where is Mary, anyhow? 

MARJ. — If you want Mary find Jimmy. 

FLO. — Then, where is Jimmy? 

MARJ. — (Going L) Where Mary is, (Mrs. N. L, with trowel and small 
plant) Well, mother, what have you there? 

MRS. N.— Just a cutting from an old rosebush. I am taking it back with 
me. Are you girls glad we are leaving tomorrow? 

FLO. — I'm not a bit glad. I've had a big time and I want to stay longer. 

MRS. N. — How about you, Marjory? 

MARJ. — I am thoroughly converted, mother. I didn't like the farm at 
first, but I do now. And I think Lord Byron expressed how I feel about 
the farm when he said to a friend that he was sorry he met him so late and 
must leave him so soon. It's a great life, and I wish we had a place down 
here, 

FLO. — How about yourself, mother? 

MRS, ri. — 0, I can't tell you how happy I have been, or how sorry I am 
to go away, 

MARJ. — Father has enjoyed it as much as anybody. Why can't we all 
stay longer? 

MRS. N.— We just can't, dear. That's all. 

FLO. — Is Jimmy going back with us? 

MRS. N.— Your father hasn't said. 

FLO.— Where is father? 

MRS, N. — He has been gone all the morning. 1 guess he is bumming 
around the farm as usual. 

MARJ. — ^Come on, Flo, and let's find him. (L) 

MR. N, — (Comes in R, as if he heard what the girls said. He is brisk. 
Collar open and turned in. Mops brow and throat) Phew! It's hot this 
morning, (Waits) Well, mother, I see you have been digging in the dirt, 
as usual, 

MRS. N. — ^Yes. I have put in a full morning. And in the parlance of the 
farm I have laid my roses by. (Smiles) 

MR. N. — Kinder hate to leave, don't you? 

MRS, N. — Well, with you and the girls and Jimmy and father all down 
here together it is a very happy place indeed; but it wouldn't be the same 
without you, and I am ready to go back with you tomorrow. 

MR. N. — Helen, how would you like to have a nice country home here 
close to your father? Say just across the road over there in that fine grove 
on the Sedgwick place. 

MRS. N. — If you could enjoy it with me I would like it better than any- 
thing in all this world. 

MR. N. — Well then, my dear old girl, if that is the way you feel about 
it, why just go ahead and build the kind of home you want. The Sedgwick 
place belongs to YOU, and (Gives large envelope) there's your deed to it. 

MRS. K — Thank you, 0, so much! But I do not want you to do this 
just for my sake. 

MR. N. — I want a homo down here, too. 

MRS. N. — 0, William, do you really? 

MR. N. — I do with all my heart. I have found something besides my 

34 



health down here. 1 don't know just wliat it is, but it is better than any- 
thing I have ever known before, and I want to stay here and cultivate it. 

MRS. N. — Why, you talk as if you mean it. 

MR. N. — I am in dead earnest. I have perverted the golden rule long 
ejt.ugii. I am now going to try to live by it a while. Until this morning 
I doubted whether I could play the part, but as I came along the road with 
that deed in my pocket 1 had a strange experience — not wholly unlike that 
whica came to Paul on his way down to Damascus. Now don't laugh at me. 
I am going to make a confession. 

MRS. N. — Laugh at you! Why, I feel more like crying for pure joy. Go 
on, dear, I am building a castle of happiness on every word you say. 

MR. N. — I can't explain it. Something seemed to snatch by old false 
stan( ard of selfishness out of my hand and throw it down at my feet, and 
1 looked down upon it and despised it as a thing that had robbed me of the 
best part of my life. (Waits) Then I looked up and saw Jimmy's standard 
of THE AVERAGE MAN. And wath a peculiar determination I laid my 
hands on it. There is something to it, Helen. What did he say about him? 

MRS. N. — (Smiling) "He's neither pauper nor prince; nor serf nor 
moneyed kind; nor saint, nor sinner, nor any such thing. For every fault 
he has a virtue; and for every failure an abiding faith in better things. My 
hat is off to the honest to goodness AVERAGE MAN." 

MR. N. — That is just what I promised God I would try to be — out there 
on the road this morning. We will go on back to Chicago, but it is only 
to close up shop and get ready to come back down here and see what we 
can do with the real job of living. 

MRS. N. — (Kisses the deed) 0, William, I feel sure this is the deed to 
great happiness. I wish I could tell you with what great joy I look forward 
to having you all to myself so that I can help you live this new and useful 
life. 

MR. N. — Dono try it, old dear. Just run along and tell your father we 
a^e going to stand close by him from now on out. But send Jimmy to me. 
I want to be the one to tell him. 

MRS. N. — All right, but it is a temptation to tell him myself. (L) 

MR. N. — (Sits at table and rubs his hands) My! It feels good to acknowl- 
edge a fault. (Takes check book from table) And better to determine 
to correct it. (Writes check) And BEST of all to BELIEVE you can do it. 

J. — ^(L) You wish to see me, father? 

MR. N. — Yes. I want to know whether you are ready to go back to the 
city and make something out of yourself; or do you wish to stay down here 
with these CLOD-HOPPERS. 

J.- — Pardon me, father, but you don't speak very respectfully of a com- 
munity thut has given you a hearty welcome, and is sorry to see you go. 

MR. N. — Answer my question. 

J. — My wish is to stay here; but if it's my duty to go with you, I am 
ready. 

MR. N. — That's good. I was afraid you would insist on showing some 
appreciation to your grandfather for his royal gift of 3,000 acres. 

J. — I do think it is base ingratitude to leave him, but I don't insist on 
staying. Gimper know^s I appreciate it. 

MR. N. — Confound it, Jimmy! Why don't you show some fight! Why 
don't you argue with me! Why don't you. tell me I am a narrow, merciless 
old blind fool, or sometliing? 

J. — Why, why, father! I don't understand. 

MR. N. — (Smiling) Jimmy, you are all right. You have whipped me to 
a frazzle, and there's my hand. You can understand that, can't you? 

J. — You mean that I can live my life in my own way? 

MR. N. — Just as your big honest heart dictates it to you, my son. 

35 



J. — '(Heartily) Tliank yon, fatlior. Your approval was all T lacked to 
make ine happy. 

MR, N. — I approve and admire it, my boy. and T am going to try a little of 
it myself. 

J. — I wisli y(m would. \\'e farmery kinder liave a claim on you anyway. 
(Smile) 

MR. X. — I know my fortune came out of their pockets — if tliat is what 
you mean. 

J. — 0, not just that, exactly, but — 

MR. N. — It's the truth; but from now on T am going. to help you play 
tlie farmers' end of the market. 

J. — (Pleased) Do you mean it? 

MR. N. — Yes, by George, I do. I am through with taking profits that 
rightfully belong to men who dig them out of the soil. You have shown 
me a bigger and better plan, and I mean to back it to the limit. And here 
is a small earnest of mv good intentions. (Gives check). 

J.— $30,000. What is' this for? 

MR. N. — 'It is just a poor expression of the pride I felt tliis morning 
wlien I passed where they are building that magnificent school and learned 
that it is to be named the NORAYOOD school in honor of my son's efforts to 
help build it. 

J. — I didn't know of that honor. 

MR. IN. — Well, it's yours, all right, and from what they say you deserve it. 
I just wanted to show my appreciation. 

J. — Is that what this check is for? 

MR. N. — Yes. I want you to present it to your Board in your own name, 
and request that it be used for the construction of two nice homes close by 
that school for those who shall give so much of their lives to making it a 
great blessing to the community — the Superintendent and Principal. (Note: 
Change to suit faculty). 

J. — It's a great idea, and a handsome gift. And I thank you for the 
community. And if this is a sample of how you mean to help me play the 
farmers' end of the market I feel sure you mean business. 

MR. N, — I heard you tell a fellow the other day that supporting a good 
scnool is the best evidence of citizenship. I want to 1)e a good citizen and 
NEIGHBOR. 

J. — Neighbor ! 

MR. !N. — Wouldn't you like me for a neighl)or? 

J. — Why, the best in the world. But that is too good to be true. 

MR. N. — I own a farm down here — the Sedgwick place. Why not live 
on it? 

J. — 'You are not joking witli me, are you? 

MR. N. — No, Jimmy. I'm coming l)ack to stay. And when I do I will 
i.elp you realize your great idea of a Farmers' Warehouse. And we need 
a Creamery, and better roads, and better live stock. And there are many 
other things we can help our good neighbors do to make country life worth 
living. But I will tell you all about that later. (Goes R). 

J.— (Starts L, but turns) 0, father, just a minute, please. 

MR. N.— (Turns) All right. What is it? 

J. — 0, aa, there's ah, a very important little matter I ali, perliaps should 
mention to you. 

MRS. N. — (L, with Mrs. M. and talking as she enters) 0, Molly, you 
just can't imagine how perfectly lovely I think it is going to be. (She stops 
at center back. Mrs. M. next and Mary, who enters witli them, at L, close 
to Jimmy) . 

36 



FLO. — (R, with Mr. S. .and Marjory. The girls have him by the arms) 
And just think, Giniper, wc will get to see you every day. (They complete 
the semi-circle with Dan R. This should leave Mr. N. R, of table and J. L). 

MR. S. — William, my boy, this is fine! And now there is just one thing 
more and 1 can truly say I am a happy old man. 

D. — Boy, you better listen to me and RUN. 

J. — All right. Uncle Dan. Come on, Mary. (Takes lier by the hand and 
starts L. Holds her hand). 

MR. N. — Just a minute, there. I am ready to listen to that very im- 
l^ortant little matter you said you wanted to mention to me. 

J. — Oh, ah, ah, that can wait, sir. 

MRS. N.— Now, William, that isn't fair. 

MR. N. — Very well. I know all about it, son, and I couldn't be better 
pleased. He is just an AVERAGE MAN, Mary. Do the best you can with 
liim. You may draw on \w., Jimmy, for a nice honeymoon, and we all hope 
it will be a full one. 

CURTAIN. END. 



(Cut Out on Dotted Line.) 

ORDER FORM 



NATIONAL DRAMA CO., 

P. O. Box 797, Your P. 0. 

Memphis, Tenn. 



19.. 



Gentlemen:— Inclosed find MONEY ORDER for $5.00 for wliich send me 
(Copyright Privilege License for one presentation of 

''THE AVERAGE MAN"— By O. P. Parker 

Play to be presented about the date of 19. . . . 

In tlie town of State 

It is understood and agreed that you are to furnish free with this License a 
complete set of parts for rehearsal, and to refund the purchase price if I 
produce the play and find it unsatisfactory. 



Signed, 



(Supt. or Prin.) 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



018 407 293 2 



